THE HUNT is on to find the perfect Alice in Wonderland to head up a whole host of events taking place next month (Aug) in Sunderland, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the children’s classic tale.
The city’s Business Improvement District has created a full programme of activities every weekend throughout August, from a giant maze occupied by a philosophical caterpillar to a massive Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
And now a search has been launched to find someone to play Alice at the events, who will also be treated as a guest of honour.
Gemma Dishman, Marketing & Communications Manager of Sunderland Business Improvement District, said that anyone who applies “doesn’t necessarily need to look like Alice.”
This is more about finding someone from the city who can completely embrace the events and play an active part in them,” she said.
“We’ve got an amazing programme which we’re sure will attract visitors from across Sunderland and beyond and we really want someone who can be an ambassador during all of these activities.”
The events begin over the weekend of August 8 and 9 where a giant maze will magically appear in Keel Square, presided over by a Philosophical Caterpillar which will ask passers-by to help solve a riddle.
The following weekend has been named Eat Me Drink Me, with walking and talking Mad Hatter tables, food workshops with the Queen of Hearts and food tasting opportunities at Arizona in Park Lane Village.
On Sat 22 and Sunday 23 a giant throne will appear in the Market Square, where visitors will get the opportunity to have their photos taken with Alice and the White Rabbit.
Visitors will get the opportunity to win a range of prizes by uploading pictures of themselves by one of the throne which will then be projected onto a giant screen.
The final weekend – Sat 29 and Sun 30 – will see the activities move to the Sunniside area of the city, with a giant Mad Hatter’s Tea Party where everyone is being asked to dress up and take part.
Each weekend event will be supported by a whole range of additional activities including lawn games, stalls, workshops and live entertainment.
Anyone wanting to apply to be Alice must be available throughout August to attend at least one day each weekend and needs to post a video as to why they are perfect for the role – no longer than one minute 30 seconds – on the BID’s Facebook Experience It Here page by Sunday Aug 2.
Applicants must be aged between five and 15 and will need an adult to accompany them to all events.
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 from5.30pm.
For further information on all events visit www.experienceithere.co.uk