Mad Hatter’s tea party at Warwick Racecourse 

16th April 2014 - Children are being invited to step into the fantasy world of Alice in Wonderland by dressing up as a character from the classic book for a Mad Hatter’s tea party at Warwick Racecourse. 

A fancy dress competition for youngsters up to the age of 12 years is part of a family fun day, featuring seven races, which is themed on the tea party highlight of the Lewis Carroll novel.

And the best-dressed in each of three age categories will be awarded a £20 voucher for Warwick Books.

The Mad Hatter’s tea party is being held on the bank holiday of Monday, May 5 when a host of entertainment will be staged, with admission free for those aged 17 years and under accompanied by an adult.

A children’s tea party will be a main draw in the course enclosure alongside other attractions including spinning tea cups, a magic carpet simulator and pony rides.

Melissa Stark, from Warwick Racecourse, said: “There are so many wonderful characters in Alice in Wonderland to inspire great costumes.

“We’re delighted to be teaming up with our local independent book shop to award prizes for the best outfits which will treat the winners to a book or two of their choice.

“Warwick Racecourse had its biggest ever crowd for a May bank holiday fixture in 2013 but this tea party extravaganza could top last year’s record attendance.

“The gates open slightly earlier for this race day at 11.55am and we’ve already set our giant clock so that in keeping with the book, we’re not late for a very important date!”

Frances Smith, owner of Warwick Books, which also has a sister shop in Kenilworth, said: “Despite being written nearly 150 years ago, Alice in Wonderland is as popular as ever and is one of the few books not to have ever gone out of print.

“Children’s books are very much a growth area and make up the biggest section of Warwick Books so we’re really pleased to be offering these prizes for a competition that may encourage youngsters to pick up Lewis Carroll’s timeless novel perhaps for the first time.”

A family BBQ ticket is also available at £40 which includes admission for two adults, with two children aged 17 years and under, to the course enclosure and a barbecue.The first of seven races will be at 1.55pm with the last on the racecard getting underway at 5.25pm.