23 November 2022
GO! Southampton is calling on little helpers to search for Father Christmas’ lost toys – in a fabulously festive city-centre trail.
GO! Southampton is calling on little helpers to search for Father Christmas’ lost toys – in a fabulously festive city-centre trail.
The ‘Great Elf Investigation’ is a FREE family walking trail, organised by the city’s BID team, and will run from 25th November until 3rd January.
Children, and adults alike, are needed to help search for the toys, which have been “stolen” by some cheeky elves. Luckily, while playing with the toys, the elves got a little carried away and started taking ‘elf-ies’ with the stolen goods – and it’s up to families to spot the photo evidence in Southampton city centre’s shop windows.
Separated into two routes, trail-goers will have the chance to explore both the North and South poles of the city. Participants can either draw or write down their answers, and then head to MAST Mayflower Studios, located in the Cultural Quarter, or room2 hotel near Queen’s Park, to receive a special prize in return for their hard work.
Jan Goatley is the Headteacher at Southampton school, Maytree Infants, and she is delighted that her children will have the opportunity to participate in the special walking trail this festive season.
She said: “At Maytree we enjoy and value learning inside and outside the classroom. This walking trail provides a great opportunity for children and their families to stay active over the Christmas break, spend quality time with one another and explore Southampton city centre.”
Trail maps that form part of the wider Southampton Christmas guide are being put into over 8,000 local primary schools pupils bookbags. The maps will also be available to download and print at home. Alternatively visitors will be able to pick one up in a number of venues including Westquay Shopping Centre, The Marlands Shopping Centre, Southampton Central Train Station, cultural venues and other local businesses.
Stephen Manion, Executive Director at GO! Southampton is pleased to be able to offer this free Christmas-themed activity for local families.
He said: “There’s no doubt many of us will be looking for easy, cost-effective things to do to keep the kids entertained this Christmas.
“With this free trail, we hope to bring a bit of festive cheer to residents and visitors, while also ensuring that people keep coming into the city in the run up to December 25th to support local businesses.”
The trail will be open from 9am – 4pm Monday – Saturday, and 11am – 4pm on Sunday. All shops hosting clues will either be open or will have their clue clearly displayed in their windows.
For more information, visit: https://visitsouthampton.co.uk/christmas-trail
And, for everything Christmas in Southampton make sure you go to: www.visitsouthampton.co.uk/christmas