FAMILIES who went to a special event at Alton Assembly rooms on Saturday to mark the 150th anniversary of the publishing of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland had the chance to meet not only Alice but all the characters of a book that has delighted generations of children.

It was a perfect wonderland day as the weather was hot and sunny, and while the White Rabbit had hardly time to stop as he seemed to always be running late, the Queen of Hearts invited the children to a game of croquet and somehow always seemed to win even though she assured she wasn’t cheating.

The White Rabbit, however, stopped long enough to show them his rabbit mask ‘make and take’ trick which created a warren of rabbits who had fun hopping on the bouncy castle.

The Sleepy Dormouse was also there to help children with the side shows, which included a “wonderland” of prizes on a tombola and Alice’s door lock challenge – that is, of course, if they could stay awake long enough to help.

One of the most popular attractions was the Mad Hatter’s Tea Rooms, where the man himself was serving homemade cakes and jam tarts that could be washed down with a large cup of tea.

Assembly Rooms manager Jason Passingham said: “We were thrilled with how the day had gone and to see so many people come out to enjoy it.

“Themed fun days are something we have been thinking about for a while, and due to the feedback we have received we will definitely be doing them again.”

He added: “I have already come up with next summer’s theme but will be keeping it under wraps until a few things can be confirmed, but be assured it will be fun for all the family.”

The Assembly Rooms’ next themed event will be the annual children’s Hallowe’en disco on October 30, tickets for which go on sale at the Assembly Rooms on September 7.

Mr Passingham said: “It is advisable to get your tickets early to avoid disappointment, as the two previous years have sold out.”