FAMILIES are invited down the rabbit hole for a fun event this Easter.

The people behind the Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) will pay tribute to Alice in Wonderland starting this weekend by hosting a series of themed activities.

It is part of a drive to boost visitor numbers and the event is supported by the Dorset Echo.

The Mad Hatter will appear at St Mary Street at the crossing with St Alban Street at 11am on Saturday April 19, providing street entertainment and balloon making.

Visitors will be directed to the new Weymouth BID office where tickets can be purchased for a series of Mad Hatter Tea Parties, taking place the following Saturday, April 26.

Tickets cost £3.50 per child and are restricted to children aged between 3 and 10 years old.

A brand new activity called ‘Alice’s Weymouth Adventure Trail’ will also be launched on April 26, which will run throughout the summer until September 6.

People taking part have a chance to win a new iPad Air.

Nigel Reed, Weymouth BID manager, revealed ‘Alice’s Weymouth Adventure Trail’ had been designed and written by local company Treasure Trails Dorset.

He said: “To take part in the Adventure trail families will follow clues that will lead them around the town to find hidden answers.

“By answering all of the clues and returning your completed entry form by September 6, you will stand a chance of winning a brand new iPad Air.”

Visitors to the Mad Hatter Tea Parties will be invited to take ‘selfies’ with Alice in Wonderland characters.

Mr Reed said: “We have many characters coming to town on Mad Saturday on April 26, including Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, Dormouse and a walking table.

“It promises to be a fun event and many of the local shops and businesses are putting on special events, so don’t be late.”

  • VISITORS to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties are invited to wear their own “mad hat” and to take ‘Mad Hat Selfies’ with the Alice in Wonderland characters.

The selfies can then be posted to the Weymouth BID Facebook wall or on Twitter using hashtag #aliceinweymouth Stories from Alice in Wonderland and Alice-related craft activities will take place at the Weymouth Library between 10am and 12 noon on Mad Saturday, April 26.

For more information on the Weymouth BID, please contact Nigel Reed on 07712 329987 or call in to the office at 15 St Alban Street.