Heritage trail brought into the future with augmented reality
How the augmented reality looks while on the Wymondham heritage trail. Picture: South Norfolk Council - Credit: Archant
A heritage trail has been brought into the future after it teamed up with a virtual reality company to bring it to life.
The virtual reality technology at Wymondham Abbey. Picture: South Norfolk Council - Credit: Archant
South Norfolk Council worked with Norwich-based company Immersive VR to create a unique experience for visitors to Wymondham using augmented reality.
The walk-through-time heritage trail will launch on Thursday, June 21 where history hunters can use a smartphone or tablet to watch landmark events from the Kett's rebellion of 1549 to the great fire that destroyed nearly 300 buildings in 1615.
George Freeman, MP for Mid-Norfolk said: 'Our market towns are integral to our rural way of life, and that's why I have always championed efforts to enhance their attraction and educate others about their great heritage and identity.
'I am delighted to see South Norfolk Council using this exciting and innovative technology to boost local business and tourism in Wymondham, and I look forward to following the new trail myself over the coming summer.'
The augmented reality app is free to download, and the trail guides visitors around the town with animations, videos, facts and photos that bring to life the stories of Wymondham's interesting and often gruesome past.
The app also has a second trail designed for children with Henry, the animated hare, to keep youngsters entertained with a quest to find belongings that he has lost around the town.
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Matthew Martin, managing director of Immersive VR, said: 'It's great that local authorities are pioneering the use of this kind of technology to celebrate the history and heritage of places like Wymondham.
'We're delighted with the trail – and we hope it will help both visitors and residents see the town in a whole new light.'
At a stop on the trail, virtual reality headsets will transport visitors back to Norwich in 1549 to witness the final battle of Kett's Rebellion within the city walls.
The trail has been funded through a £116,000 grant from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
To get the most from the trail download the free app from any app store.
For more information visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk
