Monster Villains (a free and creepy activity for kids in October)

This October half term families in either Selby, Tadcaster or Sherburn in Elmet can hunt down and bring ‘Monster Villains’ to life on their smartphones.

A free and creepy (but also extremely cute) family trail of monsters is going live in places across the UK to give families a socially distanced, contactless and fun activity to do in October.

The trail to find the 10 ‘Monster Villains’ takes on average about 45 minutes to complete and is completely free for families to take part in. At around 1.5 miles or 3,500 steps it should keep families fit and active too, while providing a fun way to get back to the high street.

The Safari works by utilising contactless QR codes, without the need for families to download or sign up to anything. 10 vinyl window monsters, all specially created for this project have been placed in each of Selby District’s towns, Selby, Tadcaster and Sherburn in Elmet, for families to hunt down.

Cllr David Buckle, Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development said: “Things are a little different this October half term but the Monster Villain Safari is a free and fun activity that can be enjoyed in a safe, socially distanced and contactless way. It gives families the chance to get outside and discover their local high street, whilst supporting local businesses. Our high streets are at the heart of our communities and the Monster Villain Safari is a great way for families to experience them this half term.”When families in Selby, Tadcaster or Sherburn in Elmet scan each character’s unique QR code the monster will come to life in an animation on their smartphone and they’ll learn their names, stories and powers. Younger children will enjoy spotting the colourful characters in shop windows and older kids, and grown-up ones, will engage by hearing the stories. After finding all 10 Monster Villains, families will be rewarded with a free eBook, written specially for the trail.

Martin Blackwell, former CEO of ATCM and the Charity Retail Association, who is coordinating the project nationally, said, “I loved the idea of a “safari on the high street”!  We had such wonderful feedback from families over the Summer we just had to create a new story. If something fun like this can help make families and kids feel good about going back out onto the high street in a safe way then we’ve done our job.”

To find out more about the runaway Monster Villains, visit the website: www.monstervillainsafari.com