The magic of Alice in Spring Returns to Bournemouth this May

In collaboration with Arts University Bournemouth and Bournemouth Town Centre BID www.aliceinspring.co.uk.

Alice in Spring returns to Bournemouth Town Centre on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May 2023. Experience a magical Wonderland in the heart of Bournemouth’s town centre once again, with interactive performances and experiences, a carnival procession and many more exciting surprises along the way. Don't be late... the magic awaits!

For a second year running, the BA (Hons) Events Management Team at Arts University Bournemouth in collaboration with Bournemouth Town Centre BID present Alice in Spring; a FREE, family-friendly wonderland that returns to the streets of Bournemouth Town Centre for one weekend only. 

“Join us on a whimsical journey through the looking glass, as we bring to life the fantastical world of Alice in Wonderland with a new twist.” 

With a thrilling line-up of events spanning magic and bubble shows with popular entertainers such as Jamie Jambo, live theatre, interactive experiences, free wellness activities, and even a spectacular carnival procession with music and dance performances, this is an experience you won't want to miss. This popular themed 2-day event offers an interactive wonderland to enjoy for all ages and is accessible for all. 

The BA (Hons) Events Management team at Arts University Bournemouth is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and wellness for all through creative festivals such as Alice In Spring, and believe that these values are essential for creating a vibrant, thriving society that benefits everyone.

Kevin Chambers, BA (Hons) Events Management Course Leader says, “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.

Wellness is also a key value for us. 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. The festival is also offering a live performance piece, aimed at providing a sensory and inclusive experience. This performance piece is designed to engage and entertain those with sensory processing difficulties, physical disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.”

Clary Salandy, an internationally renowned carnival artist and theatre designer is working with the (BA Hons) Events Management students to produce the carnival section of the festival featuring larger-than-life costumes, “I can’t wait to be a part of the carnival celebration in Bournemouth looking forward to working with AUB students, what an amazing opportunity for students and artists to come together and celebrate with the community”.

Not only will Alice in Spring be a magical experience for local residents and visitors alike, it also has a positive impact on the local community and businesses in the town centre.

Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Paul Kinvig, says, “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.”

He adds: “This themed two day event will transform the town into an interactive wonderland for all ages.”

Working in collaboration with Bournemouth Town Centre BID, local businesses are joining in with the festival through an interactive trail; visitors and local residents will be encouraged to follow the trail through Bournemouth town centre, collecting letters from each point in the map to spell out a secret word and be in for a chance of winning fantastic prizes

Many of the shop windows will contain ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed clues to help you to identify where these may be hidden. 

Join the celebration of creativity, imagination and community spirit on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th May from 11am - 4pm on both days. All events are free and family-friendly. 

Find out more about the festival and how to get involved with the interactive trail at www.aliceinspring.co.uk