HALLOWEEN lovers are being encouraged to grab their broomstick and blow away the cobwebs amid a new scheme arriving in Colchester’s city centre.
New app-based trail Trick and Treats will give visitors a chance to enjoy free treats and rewards from businesses.
Bosses behind the scheme hope it will help to encourage footfall into the city centre after a difficult year which saw retail giants Marks and Spencer depart the High Street.
Designed and created by KAT Marketing, the unique app will guide participants around 30 locations where they can find and scan QR codes to unlock rewards.
Spots on the free-to-download trail, which launches on Saturday, include the Mercury Theatre, Fenwick, Bill and Berts, the Natural History Museum and Colchester Library.
KAT Marketing director Katie Skingle said the idea is among many other products in the pipeline for Colchester.
“As we test the waters with this inaugural year, the app provides value at a time many families are looking for free fun activities to do together,” she said.
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“It will also provide extra footfall which brings commercial opportunities for outlets in town.
“The teams in the participating stores have been brilliant and we can’t wait to see the reactions to the tricks and the treats as they play out when people scan the QR codes for their surprises.”
The director added she hopes more funding can be secured for next year to incorporate sculptures alongside augmented reality.
The latest scheme builds on the company’s previous success with sculpture projects such as Octopus Ahoy! which splashed its way across Tendring in 2021, and Stand Tall for Giraffes with Colchester Zoo and Wild in Art in 2013.
Trick and Treat, which has been supported by Colchester Business Improvement District, is now gearing up to launch on Saturday, running to Halloween on October 31.
Sam Good, of Colchester BID, said: “Halloween is a popular time for families visiting Colchester, particularly during October half-term.
“This is a great opportunity for some free, spooky fun for all, with the important bonus of increased footfall across the city centre as people of all ages.”
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