Oxford will become a magical Wonderland destination this July as the city honours its rich literary tradition.
The annual Alice’s Day event returns on Saturday, 4 July, featuring an array of activities suitable for all ages, theatrical presentations and hands-on experiences drawn from Lewis Carroll’s famous character.
The festival commemorates the moment when the tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was first recounted by Charles Dodgson to Alice Liddell and her siblings during a boat journey from Folly Bridge in 1862.
Programmes will be staged at various locations throughout the city, encompassing The Story Museum, Alice’s Shop, the Bodleian Library, Christ Church, the Museum of Oxford and the Oxford Botanic Garden.
Conrad Bodman, Director of The Story Museum, expressed pride that Alice’s Day has become such a firm fixture in Oxford’s cultural calendar.
Among this year’s standout offerings is a street theatre production by Creation Theatre, depicting Alice pursuing the White Rabbit.
At Westgate, Rough Magic Theatre will bring the Jabberwocky to life using shadow puppetry combined with live vocal performances.
Guests can participate in croquet games within the Master’s Garden at Christ Church and enjoy a Magic Lantern presentation held in the Dodgson Room.
The Museum of Oxford will provide a special Hands-On History workshop examining artefacts and narratives linked to Alice’s Day.
The Weston Library will feature storytelling sessions by Lucy Walters, sharing adventures from Wonderland.
The Bodleian Library will welcome talks organised by the Lewis Carroll Society.
The Story Museum will provide half-price admission to its galleries, which include Small Worlds, along with a full day of themed entertainment.
Activities will encompass face painting, poetry sessions with the Oxford Poetry Library, an oversized interactive board game, and a presentation by author Anna James discussing her newest release titled Alice With a Why.
An afternoon tea service will be available in the Story Museum’s Magic Common Room, offering classic sandwiches, pastries and sweet treats.
This year’s event is supported by law firm Howes Percival.
Alice’s Day takes place on the first Saturday of July annually, near the anniversary of Carroll’s original storytelling in 1862.
The festival recognises not merely a narrative but a pivotal moment in children’s literature and Oxford’s contribution to literary history.
Mr Bodman noted that over the years, the event has welcomed Alice fans from around the world who want to celebrate an enduring literary icon.
Following the release of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Oxford gained recognition internationally as a hub for children’s narrative traditions, influencing authors including Kenneth Grahame, CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Philip Pullman.