SUNDERLAND SHOPPERS would have been forgiven for thinking they were seeing quadruple at the weekend, when they were confronted with not one but four Alices.
As part of the Wear All Bonkers month of activities taking place in Sunderland over the next three weeks, the city’s Business Improvement District put out a call for someone to play Alice.
And it proved so difficult to choose between four of the entries it was decided to give each of them the opportunity to become Lewis Carroll’s famous creation at one weekend.
The opening weekend activity – set in and around the city’s Keel Square – saw the creation of a giant maze which played home to a Philosophical Caterpillar, with Alice played by eight-year-old Carrie-Ann Palmer from Sunderland.
And this weekend – Aug 15 and 16 – the activity will move to Park Lane Village, where visitors can take part in a whole host of Eat Me, Drink Me events and special offers.
Port of Call bar will be hosting a barbeque on the terrace while Arizona will be the home of walking and talking Mad Hatter tables, 3D printing with the Fab Lab, food tasting opportunities and food and drink workshops with the Queen of Hearts.
The activities run from 10am to 4pm each day, with added attractions including giant games, stalls, workshops and live entertainment.
The event is part of a whole programme organised by Sunderland’s Business Improvement District to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the novel, which was partly inspired by author Lewis Carroll’s time spent in the city.
“The first weekend was a huge success, and it was great to see the fabulous new Keel Square brought to life with the giant maze and seeing so many families enjoying the activities,” said Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID.
We hope as many people as possible will come along and enjoy our second take on one of the most interesting aspects of the Alice story.
“We’re also delighted to have been able to give a number of ‘Alices’ the opportunity to take part in the events and I’m sure they’ll be great ambassadors for all the activities.”
There will also be a range of Alice-related events taking place during Sunderland’s Thursday late night shopping evenings, with free parking in council car parks from 3pm and at the Bridges from 5.30pm.
For further information on all events visit www.experienceithere.co.uk