New augmented reality trail starring ‘Trentlings’ to showcase Burton’s rich history
East Staffordshire Borough Council has launched 'Trentlings', 12 new characters designed to celebrate the nature and history of Burton upon Trent.
These Trentlings will be brought to life through a new augmented reality trail, hosted on the Discover East Staffordshire Trails App, and a series of limited collectible trading cards, turning Burton upon Trent's story into twelve playful sprites, ready to be discovered, collected, and battled across the town this summer.
Every Trentling is centred around Burton.
Alaburton, a stone spirit, celebrates the town's once medieval alabaster industry. Hopleaf, Wheator, and Cottono trace the spirit of growing and milling that shaped Burton's economy for centuries.
Modwen, a water spirit, is named for the town's founding Saint, while Trentor, a majestic river creature, personifies the River Trent itself, the foundation everything else in Burton's story is built on.
The flowers are represented with Daisy, Geranafin, Heuchera, Calendula, Glaucua, and Mariglo, starting their life as part of Stapenhill Gardens, Burton's In Bloom entry.
Using smartphones, families can track the Trentlings around The Washlands, unlocking photo opportunities with each character they find.
Every card also carries a Burton Points score, the more important the Burton story, the higher the points.
The Trentlings were co-created by Tilley Bancroft, vice chair of the Burton Place Steering Group and owner of Making Trails, and Helen Young, a local writer and geographer, in partnership with ESBC.
Cllr Paul Walker, Cabinet member for Tourism and Cultural Development, said: "Burton upon Trent is a place of rich history, heritage and culture.
“The Trentlings trail and collectable game is a modern and exciting way to reimagine these stories, bringing them to life for families, residents and young people this summer".
Cards will be available to purchase from The Brewhouse Arts Centre later this month, please check The Brewhouse Facebook page for summer opening hours.
