Alice in Spring, the Alice in Wonderland themed festival, is returning to Bournemouth this year. 

The town centre will be transformed into a Lewis Carroll themed family-friendly ‘Wonderland’, created and presented in collaboration between Bournemouth Town Centre BID and the Events Management team at Arts University Bournemouth, from May 13th to May 14th.

Entry to the festival is free of charge.

Clary Salandy planning with (BA Hons) Event Management Team – Credit: Arts University Bournemouth

Features include magic and bubble shows from popular entertainers such as Jamie Jambo, live theatre, interactive experiences, free wellness activities, and an all singing all dancing carnival procession produced by internationally renowned artist and theatre designer Clary Salandy.

Alice in Spring is also a celebration of inclusion, diversity, and wellness.

The course leader of Event Management at Arts University Bournemouth Kevin Chambers said: “Our students this year have produced an exciting and entertaining festival that reflects the diverse communities within our town centre and beyond, and provides opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together and engage with each other in a positive and meaningful way.

‘’By offering free wellness activities and complementary therapies, we aim to promote self-care, mindfulness, and healthy living. We’re also proud to incorporate a celebration of Caribbean history and culture, and to work with Clary Salandy to bring her unique artistic vision to the festival.’’

Visitors to the festival, whether local or from out of town, are not the only ones benefiting from  Alice in Spring. The local community and local businesses are also positively impacted by the festival’s return through the interactive trail, which has been created in a joint effort between Bournemouth Town Centre BID and local businesses.

The trail will involve festival-goers following a path through Bournemouth town centre in a search for letters that will spell out a secret word. Shop windows of local businesses will display Alice themed clues to help people navigate the trail.

Outfit designed by Clary Sanady, Credit: Arts University Bournemouth

Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID Paul Kinvig said: “Our visitor surveys show this is exactly what people want to see in the town centre and the AUB team is extremely adept at organising and delivering precisely this sort of experience.

‘’Alice in Spring last year was a great attraction, imaginative, entertaining and hugely popular.”

All events at Alice in Spring are free and family-friendly. The festival begins at 11am and closes at 4pm on both Saturday 13th of May and Sunday the 14th.