Banbury BID partnership launches new interactive audio trail around town with high street app

Combining audio clips into town trails is the first of it’s kind for the LoyalFree app, with Banbury BID leading the way on what is expected to be a popular feature in the future, bringing Banbury Museum’s wonderful reminiscence work to life.

The audio trail ‘Exploring Banbury Town’ is now live on the LoyalFree app and locals and visitors can check out 13 locations across the town including in St Mary’s Church Yard and on Parsons Street, to uncover a hidden and historic story.

People can discover stories in Banbury Museum’s town trail on the LoyalFree app, which could be easily included in your daily exercise routine.

Listen to the audio trail on foot, or in the comfort of your own home – come take a journey through 'Times Gone By.'

Officials remind people completing the trail on foot, remember to stay safe and remain at least 2m apart from others at all times.

Simon Townsend, director of Banbury Museum said: “Banbury is such a special town, our streets, market-places and historic buildings tell a remarkable story.

"We invite you to take a journey with us, and discover our unique history.”

The audio trail is a collection of personal memories and experiences of senior residents of the town, giving a flavour of what life was like over five decades from the late 1920s to the late 1960s.

The sounds come from a 2012 project by Banbury Museum’s reminiscence group ‘Times Gone By’ who endeavoured to record some of the social history of the market town.

Jo Holland, Banbury BID manager added: “We know this is a particularly difficult time for all in the Banbury community, and so we want to encourage people to get out and enjoy exploring the town in a safe way.

"By adding audio clips within the trail, app users can really immerse themselves in the rich history of the town!”

In the coming week there will also be new trails coming to the app which detail businesses who are open during this time or can offer online shopping solutions, so people can continue to support the town by shopping local and staying safe at the same time.

In time, the app will once again play host to many exciting deals and loyalty schemes.

Sophie Hainsworth, Co-Founder of LoyalFree said: “In this time of recovery it is crucial the public can access the information they need to help them support the high street.

"We are lucky to be a part of that journey in Banbury and play a role in supporting the business community there.”

To access this audio trail, download the LoyalFree app for free by clicking here: www.loyalfree.co.uk/download or searching for ‘LoyalFree’ on the app stores.

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