A NARNIA-inspired Christmas trail has arrived in Bitterne Park and St Denys this month thanks to a team of creative local residents.
The trail, which was created by Bitterne Park Family Fun founder Nay Dawson, has transformed the area into a winter wonderland of childhood magic.
People are invited to explore the familiar scenes and well-loved characters from C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, with the opportunity to receive a gift bag upon completing the trail.
Charity worker Nay, who created Bitterne Park Family Fun during lockdown last year, said: "It's a bit of fun I started in lockdown and we have done quite a few different things over the past few months.
"We wanted to get our communities reading The Lion, The Witch and The wardrobe and experiencing it afresh again, so we created a trail that works for little legs. People walk the trail and see the different parts of the story.
"My garden is 'spring' themed and people taking part have a theme from the book and have decorated their garden in that theme.
"It's for the community and with the community. We want everyone to be involved and interested. That's what I love about it, there are well over 40 families getting involved.
"It's meant to bring people together."
The trail, which Nay created alongside Ana Lorena, Rachel Stage and Laura Waterton, started on Friday, December 10 and runs until Christmas Eve, December 24.
It takes participants from Manor Farm Road all the way to Lacon Close, whilst experiencing the magic of Narnia.
Nay said: "It has affirmed that we can just keep going, even when we don't know what the future will hold. The trail is very meaningful for people and some ave got in touch to say thank you.
"It brings a lot of hope into people's lives."
Rachel said: "It’s entirely organised and largely funded by local people, so the emphasis is on working together and being as creative as we can.
"The story’s themes of goodness, hope and light in dark places have added meaning this time of year, and we’re delighted to deliver that in a Covid-safe activity for all the family."
Maps of the trail can be found here https://www.facebook.com/Bitterneparkcommunity/on the Bitterne Park Family Fun Facebook page, along with further information.
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