History trail app to shed light on North Wales

The first of its kind in North Wales, a free history app, called Imagine Trail, will shed light on some of the Bay of Colwyn and Mochdre’s old tales and bring them to life through augmented reality (AR) technology.

The app has been created as part of Imagine Colwyn Bay, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from Conwy County Borough Council and the Bay of Colwyn Town Council. Local arts charity TAPE Community Music & Film and tech experts Reality

Boffins worked closely with local creatives, heritage groups and the wider community to develop it.

Animated videos, old footage and photos, sound recordings and interviews have been used to recall stories of note from monks in the Middle Ages through to the mod rallies of the 70s and 80s.

The app will be unveiled and ready for download on September 18th with launch events at Colwyn Bay Artisan’s market and the Welsh Mountain Zoo. Before then, history buffs and cinemagoers can enjoy a week of free, related activities starting on September 13th.

TAPE’s Neil Dunsire said: “The app is a real treasure trove of stories. We’ve been fortunate to unearth some terrific tales and memories from Dinosaur World to Medieval ambushes.  It has been brilliant to work with 20 local creatives, who have adapted and overcome

challenges brought about by the pandemic. In all, we’ve worked with 300 people, from school children to local historians to create the 52 pieces of video, sound, and animation included in the app, which will be free to download. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has taken part and are very much looking forward to being able to share the Imagine Trail.”

The launch week includes heritage walks, app demos, pop-up cinema screenings, and arts and animation workshops. An additional event will take place on Tuesday, September 28th at Theatr Colwyn, launching a film documenting the Harlequin Puppet Theatre, Britain’s

oldest permanent puppet theatre.

“David Masding, Chair of Colwyn Bay Heritage Group, said: “The new app will be a draw for locals and visitors alike, I am delighted that our heritage trails have been brought to life in a modern, engaging, fun way for everyone to enjoy.

“There is something for everyone throughout the week-long launch with the chance to see how the app works and get a taste of what to expect. The events are all free to attend. All we’d ask is people get in touch to book or for more information.”