People in Swindon will get the chance to travel back and forward in time as part of a free augmented and virtual reality immersive storytelling experience.
As part of the national Unboxed Festival, Swindon Libraries is one of only 15 UK library services chosen to host StoryTrails, which uses cutting-edge technology to bring local stories and places to life in completely new ways.
The experience will run over the bank holiday weekend all day on Saturday, August 27 and 28, in Central Library and the town centre.
Visitors will be able to try an immersive cinema experience or see the local area in 3D. There will also be the chance to hear fascinating stories about the area, from local people, told in a completely unique way on a 3D story map of Swindon.
There will be seven virtual reality (VR) headset experiences created especially for StoryTrails - one of which has been nominated for an award.
The augmented reality trail around the town centre will take people on a story journey moving through real-life performers and virtual characters.
Allie Brown, Swindon Libraries’ development and innovation manager, said: “This is fantastic for Swindon, especially that it’s completely free and accessible to everyone.
"You don’t need any special knowledge or equipment as the StoryTrails team is providing everything, including staff to help guide people through the experiences. It’s a great way of making exciting new technologies – like virtual reality and the 3D internet – free and accessible to all.£
“The augmented reality trail is especially exciting - think Swindon Pokemon Go! There will be a physical portal outside Central Library where the trail starts. Guided by a mobile app, you’ll be led at your own pace to different story points along a route with a choice of story trails to follow.
Allie added: “There will be something for everyone. Whether you’re old or young, tech-savvy or a technophobe, you can just turn up and try it for free. It’s something that different generations can enjoy together."
Councillor Oladapo Ibitoye, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: “This is a great event for people of all ages to discover the history of Swindon and the town centre.
“It’s important that we celebrate our heritage and this is just one of the ways people can learn more. I hope more of these events will start to come forward in the future.”
See the libraries’ StoryTrails Facebook event page for updates about the main event.
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