Bury BID launch Magical North Pole Safari Trail – Bringing Festive Fun to Bury Town Centre

Families in Bury are invited to step into a world of festive magic this Christmas with the launch of the Bury BID North Pole Safari, a free augmented reality story trail running across the town centre from 8 November to 31 December.

Organised and funded by Bury BID and produced by High Street Safari, the interactive trail transforms Bury’s streets into a winter wonderland, packed with digital North Pole characters, Christmas clues, and festive surprises for all ages.

Using just a smartphone, families can scan QR codes displayed in shop windows across town to unlock 10 magical story points – meeting cheeky elves, a friendly yeti, and other North Pole friends brought to life in augmented reality. Players can choose how the story unfolds, take festive selfies, and collect an prize at the end.

Festive Lights, Parade and Christmas Cheer

The trail launches alongside a spectacular season of celebrations as Bury town centre lights up for Christmas.

On Saturday 8 November, Bury BID, The Rock, and Mill Gate will all switch on their festive lights, ensuring the town centre sparkles brightly throughout the season.

Families can also enjoy The Pied Piper of Hamelin at The Met, The Rock’s Christmas Parade, Santa’s Grotto, a Festive Food Fair and the ever-popular Festive Land Train, while the East Lancashire Railway brings Christmas cheer with its Santa Specials. Visitors can make a day of it with festive food and drink from Bury’s fantastic local retailers, cafés, and restaurants – the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

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“We’re thrilled to bring the Bury BID North Pole Safari to Bury this year,” said Nigel Shields, Town Centre Director at Bury BID.

“It’s a magical way for families to explore our town, enjoy the festive lights, and discover Christmas surprises around every corner. With sparkling lights and plenty of festive events, Bury will be shining brighter than ever this holiday season.”

How to Take Part

The Bury BID North Pole Safari trail is free, family-friendly, and simple to join.
There’s no app to download – just open your smartphone’s camera, scan any story point QR code, and begin your adventure.

Each stop reveals a new chapter of the story and a North Pole character in AR, letting players interact, take photos, and choose what happens next.

Once families complete the trail, they’ll become Official Elf Helpers and unlock a festive e-book prize.

A full map of story points and updates will be available soon at www.discoverbury.co.uk.

A Bury Christmas to All

The Bury BID North Pole Safari Trail is part of a wider programme of festive activities supported by Bury BID, The Met, East Lancashire Railway, The Rock, and Mill Gate Shopping Centre, celebrating the spirit of the season and supporting local businesses.

With dazzling lights, festive entertainment, and plenty of local shopping, food, and drink, Bury is set to shine brighter than ever this Christmas.