Would-be sleuths will have an exciting opportunity to put their detective skills to the test when a gaming experience returns to Norwich.

Norwich Evening News: A family learns the shocking truth behind the mystery in Basingstoke, (left to right) Rose Blake,12, Jake Blake, 5, Danny Blake and Andrew Gibson.Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed-up with Casebook Events to bring a sleuthing game to the city once again. Picture: Casebook Events.A family learns the shocking truth behind the mystery in Basingstoke, (left to right) Rose Blake,12, Jake Blake, 5, Danny Blake and Andrew Gibson.Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed-up with Casebook Events to bring a sleuthing game to the city once again. Picture: Casebook Events. (Image: Archant)

The Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed-up with Casebook Events, which brought The Mystery of the Star-Eaters to the city last year.

Players will be asked to examine the casefile, hunt down clues, question real live witnesses and solve ingenious puzzles.

The amateur sleuths will be taken on a journey of discovery around the historic Tombland area as they investigate a mystery that would test even the great Mr Holmes.

The game, on Saturday, March 24, is part of an initiative to increase footfall in the Cathedral Quarter and give players of all ages a great day out in the city, turning the streets into a life-size game board.

Casefile: Appearance of the Obeli, invites players to take on the role of 'consulting detective' in a spine-tingling thriller that will test their wits alongside Detective Inspector Ranney, the star character in the last game to be held in the city.

This time the case is linked to one of Norwich's own, author Anna Sewell.

Stefan Gurney, Norwich BID executive director, said: 'Finding fun and different ways to spend the day with friends and family can be a challenge. 'Last year's Casefile game made a real change from the usual kind of event and people really responded to that. Like last time we've got a fabulous line-up of locations taking part, players will all find at least one of our hidden local gems that they didn't know about before.

'It's really exciting that this time the game includes one of Norwich's great heroes, Anna Sewell. I describe the game as a giant Agatha Christie play only the whole of the city centre is the stage and you are Miss Marple.'

The game is best enjoyed when played in teams of two to six people. While the main investigation takes approximately two to three hours, the event will be running continuously throughout the day so players can stop and start whenever they choose, even taking time out for lunch and shopping. With a dedicated children's trail running alongside the main game, this 'Casefile' mystery makes for a day of unique entertainment for all ages.

Head puzzle-master Stephen Blackwell said: 'This time we've upped the ante, adding more actors, more puzzles and some little 'missions' that players need to complete as they go.

'Casefile gets players using their body and brain in equal measures, and having a lot of fun along the way. Norwich, with its great mix of heritage buildings and independent businesses, really is the perfect location for our games.'

Touring nationally, the game is transforming towns and cities up and down the country, returning to where it all began in Norwich.

Ticket prices are £12 for adults with accompanied under-12s free and there are also discounted team tickets available at £50 for six players.

Tickets can be bought in advance online at www.bit.do/NorwichObeli and more information is available at www.casebook.events

THE GAME

The game starts in the centre of town and runs from 10am with the final detectives going out at midday.

It takes two to three hours to complete and there will be a maximum of 500 adult players to avoid crowding.

The game is not 'linear' so the players will visit locations in a different order, avoiding congestion.

There is no time limit, although the final location closes at 4pm and players are encouraged to spend the day, grab a coffee or lunch and explore the city.

Casebook Events has now run the game in 12 locations, with more planned next year.