Families invited to shape their own story in new Choose Your Own Scarborough light trail
Launching on Saturday 14 November as part of Scarborough Lights, Choose Your Own Scarborough is an imaginative and creative family experience that takes participants on a journey around Scarborough, shaped by their own choices.
The trail will launch at Boyes Department Store during the Santa’s arrival event on Saturday November 14.
National Literacy Trust Yorkshire Coast staff and volunteers will be in attendance to gift books and share information about the event. Families who complete the trail and return to Boyes between 11am and 3pm on the launch day will receive a special prize.
For those unable to attend the launch day, the trail will continue until December 20.
Participants who complete the experience are invited to scan a QR code at the final location to be entered into a prize draw to win a book bundle.
Research shows that children and young people are more likely to engage with and enjoy reading when the material connects with their hobbies, interests and identity.
With the event taking place right on their doorstep, it is hoped that children across the town will find a connection with the local aspects of the story and the identity of Scarborough.
The story is written by local writer Yasmin Stefanov-King and brought to life through illuminated artwork by renowned Scarborough artist Adrian Riley of Electric Angel Design.
Along the trail, families will encounter characters inspired by Scarborough's history as they travel between locations across the town.
Adrian Riley's artwork transforms locations across the town into passages of the story, creating a distinctive visual experience that forms part of Scarborough Lights' wider programme of festive activities.
Beginning at J. Mollon Sweet Shop, neon story panels will guide participants through the adventure. At the end of each section, participants choose what should happen next and follow different routes to continue the adventure, putting participant choice at the centre of the story and allowing them to follow their imagination.
Helen Williams, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Yorkshire Coast, said: “The trail is essentially an art exhibition, story trail and family day out all in one!
“The event has been designed to inspire children and families to engage with stories in creative and interactive ways. It is all about choice - which we know is crucial for children's reading enjoyment and engagement.
"We hope the trail encourages children and families across Scarborough to fall in love with stories and choose something that interests them to read when they get home."
Catherine Goble, Festival Manager at Scarborough Fair, said: "I am of the generation that was hooked on the Choose Your Own Adventure stories, so I can't wait to see them come to life on a giant scale with the Choose Your Own Scarborough trail, as part of Scarborough Lights. The way the stories captured children's (and adults'!) imaginations and made them feel part of the story was always a great way to get people really involved.
"Our trail is a fantastic way of getting families walking around their town and discovering more about where they live."
The Scarborough Fair's Countdown to Christmas activities are supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.