Thatcham will be transformed into an outdoor treasure hunt in celebration of World Book Day

From February half term until mid-March, the streets of Thatcham will be transformed into an outdoor treasure hunt in celebration of World Book Day?. This year’s event is especially significant as it forms part of the National Year of Reading.

Thatcham Town Council and Thatcham Library have partnered with High Street Safari, experts in turning public spaces into interactive adventures, to bring an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) treasure hunt to the town centre. This official event is supporting the World Book Day charity’s mission to improve lives through championing the fun of reading and help children to see reading differently.

Families are invited to hunt for 10 ‘Book Zones’ hidden in shop windows. Using only a smartphone, explorers can scan markers to see 3D characters – from brave astronauts to mythical unicorns – leap into the real world. Each stop also features a hidden secret letter, found by taking selfies with the characters; families who find all ten can solve the mystery word and complete the trail.

The experience also allows children to take selfies with each of the 3D characters to create a permanent digital souvenir of their adventure.