A Medieval code-breaking puzzle that challenges Chester city centre visitors to solve a series of riddles is set to launch next weekend (Saturday 10 October).
Deva Codex Wolf Quest is the second instalment of a trilogy of free citywide mystery quests from the history and heritage project created by CH1ChesterBID and Big Heritage – Chester Unlocked.
Based on real events from Chester’s past, the latest Deva Codex challenge follows on from the popular Boar Quest that launched earlier this year and invites people to crack a series of codes and unlock a 2,000-year-old mystery.
Historical characters will be in the city centre for three consecutive weekends handing out free Deva Codex Wolf Quest bags for people to get involved and anyone that successfully completes the challenge has the chance to win up to £300 to spend in the city*.
“Thousands of people of all ages took part in the first Deva Codex challenge, Boar Quest, so we’re really excited to see what the reaction is to the Wolf Quest,” said Rita Waters, Chief Executive of the city’s Business Improvement District, CH1ChesterBID.
“We know from the feedback we’ve received that people really enjoyed exploring some of the city’s hidden history and visiting places they’d never stepped foot inside before, so this is another fantastic opportunity for friends and families to get together and uncover even more of the city’s heritage.”
The free Deva Codex bags will also be available in selected retailers across the city and in the following locations: The Grosvenor Museum; Chester’s Visitor Information Centre; Chester Cathedral; St John The Baptist’s Church (see www.chesterunlocked.com/devacodex for more information).
People can take part any time between 9am and 5pm (Mondays to Saturdays) and 11am and 4pm (Sundays).
“The inspiration behind Deva Codex is based on real-life events and people from Chester’s past,” added Dean Paton, Managing Director of Big Heritage. “A Chester-based archaeologist called Professor Robert Newstead uncovered an unusual building in the 1930’s within the city centre and we’ve taken that story and brought it to life with a modern twist to help showcase some of the fantastic history we have right on our doorstep in Chester.
“This latest challenge is great fun for the whole family but it’s only open until Saturday 31 October so we’re encouraging children, parents, couples and grandparents to get together, unleash their inner explorer and see if they can solve a city centre mystery that goes back almost 2,000 years!”
Those taking the challenge can gather clues and submit them online at www.chesterunlocked.com/devacodex/ to find out if they have unlocked the mystery.
By registering their answers and email address online, participants will be in with a chance of winning £300, £100 or £50 in retail vouchers to spend in-store in city centre retailers or venues (winners will be notified by email after)*. This also gives them an entry to a Grand Prize draw, details of which will be announced later this year.
The final Deva Codex challenge is planned for the start of 2016.
For more information on other events and activities planned as part of Chester Unlocked
