Tea party marks 150 years of Alice in Wonderland

What a wonder-ful way to celebrate a landmark anniversary of a classic children’s book!
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Nov 2015, 18:00 BST
Tea party at Alice's Tearoom to mark the 165th anniversary of Alice in WonderlandTea party at Alice's Tearoom to mark the 165th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland
Tea party at Alice's Tearoom to mark the 165th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland

Twenty five eager children, many in Alice-themed costumes, came running to meet special guest The White Rabbit before tucking into a delicious afternoon tea as 150 years of Alice In Wonderland was celebrated in style at Alice’s Tea Room in St Annes.

The cafe in St Albans Road has proved a roaring success since being opened by self-confessed Alice fan Jo Thomas 18 months ago and the anniversary tea party was held in conjunction with the Storytellers Inc bookshop in The Crescent. Publishers Macmillan have issued special editions of Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland and its sequel to mark the initial publication of Lewis Carroll’s classic in November 1865 and Jo said: “It’s wonderful that Alice and Carroll’s other characters continue to charm readers of all ages and it was a brilliant way to celebrate. Everyone had a great time.”

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Carolyn Clapham, co-proprietor of Storytellers Inc with daughter Katie, read extracts from Carroll’s classic after the party.

Tea party at Alice's Tearoom to mark the 165th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland. Jane Biagi and Charlotte Roper.Tea party at Alice's Tearoom to mark the 165th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland. Jane Biagi and Charlotte Roper.
Tea party at Alice's Tearoom to mark the 165th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland. Jane Biagi and Charlotte Roper.

She said: “The children were enchanted and there were lots of hugs and high-fives for the special guest who was available for photographs throughout the visit.

“For the business owners, this was a great opportunity to share customers and introduce new customers to our existing businesses.”

There is more Alice celebration at the Tea Room on Saturday evening, this time more tailored to grown-ups, when special theatre company Manchester Murder Mysteries stages a murder mystery evening entitled Malice In Wonderland.

Details from Alice Tea Room on (01253) 932871.