Into the woods

A BELOVED children’s book creature is making his way from the deep, dark wood, to a grand, old castle.

In celebration of The Gruffalo’s 25th anniversary, an event themed around the story is coming to Kryal Castle from Good Friday (March 29).

Programming includes an augmented reality experience called The Gruffalo Spotters App and Trail where children are invited to find clues on interactive signs to locate the character in his hut, somewhere within the theme park.

Kryal Castle chief executive officer Bart Hamilton said the AR experience is the first of its kind to be hosted in Victoria.

Families can meet the Gruffalo, listen to the tale at storytime, and watch a live stage performance of it in the Woodland Theatre.

The characters of Mouse, Fox, Owl, and Snake will also be visiting the Kryal kingdom too.

The Gruffalo was written and illustrated by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and published in 1999. It has a sequel called The Gruffalo’s Child.

Gruffalo art and craft activities are planned, including bookmark painting and biscuit decorating, and other books penned by Donaldson are set to be read.

If any little mice in attendance would like to become one of the characters in the story, they can get their face painted.

Gruffalo activities will run until April 21 at 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek. Kryal Castle is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

The venue’s usual medieval entertainment and activities will continue to run as usual. Head to kryalcastle.com.au for tickets.