Manchester is gearing up to become host to a series of Alice in Wonderland-themed immersive cocktail experiences this summer.
Returning for 2021, each 90-minute “tea party to end all tea parties” – hosted by the interactive team behind the already-successful and popular events, The Wizard’s Den, Beyond Cinema and The Art of Murder – invites you on an “adventure”.
Tea partygoers are taken on a “topsy-turvy journey” into the magical realm of Wonderland.
The description for the event series – which is set to take place in a soon-to-be-announced location in Manchester city centre – reads: “Join us for a theatrical, alternate reality experience that will take you down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass.
“Create two bespoke Wonderland cocktails, solve riddles and challenges just like Alice, devour “Eat Me” cake, paint the roses red, and much more”.
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Previous tea partygoers have got plenty of positive things to say about the event too, with one admitting: “We came for the Alice in Wonderland experience and we were entranced by the effort and detail in the show and the games. The interactive show with the hosts was wonderful, they were funny and high energy [and] it was a great laugh and a fabulous way to spend an afternoon”.
She was also sure to complement the “great cocktails”, and said she would “definitely recommend for a fun day out”.
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Another satisfied customer said “the cocktails were delicious and the games were great”, and also said they would “100% recommend”.
A third commented on the “themed experience and delivery”, and said it was “a blast”.
Wonderland Bar The Alice – An Immersive Cocktail Experience is arriving in Manchester from 1st July – 22nd October 2021.
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Limited tickets will be available, and you can now register your interest here.
Featured Image – An Immersive Cocktail Experience
What's On
Doves announce first hometown gig for 15 years in Manchester on UK tour
Daisy Jackson
Doves have announced a massive homecoming show – their first Manchester gig in 15 years – on their upcoming tour, but without frontman Jimi Goodwin.
The Manchester-founded band are heading out on a full UK tour in support of their sixth studio album Constellations for the Lonely.
Doves will be heading to Aviva Studios for a huge show, along with dates in Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and London, to name a few.
The new tour dates are in addition to the already sold-out intimate dates in Stoke, Birkenhead and Hebden Bridge.
Lead singer Jimi Goodwin will sit out the live tour to focus on his health – the band had previously cancelled their 2021 tour to protect his wellbeing.
He has said that his current circumstances are ‘not compatible with a mad, city-to-city schedule’.
Instead, Andy and Jez Williams will alternate on vocals and are promising a ‘one-of-a-kind experience’.
In a heartwarming statement about their Doves bandmate, they said: “This tour is incredibly special as Jimi is stepping back from live to focus on his well being.
“Mental health has always been central to Doves, and we fully support him in his decision.”
Doves announced their new album Constellations For The Lonely last week, shortly before confirming their UK tour and Manchester homecoming gig.
The band have recorded tracks, including recent Goodwin-fronted single Renegade, through a patchwork of in-person and remote recording sessions.
Doves UK tour dates in full
Tue 25 Feb – Glasgow, SWG3
Wed 26 Feb – Edinburgh, La Belle Angele
Thu 27 Feb – Newcastle, Boiler Shop
Sat 1 Mar – Leeds, Beckett SU
Sun 2 Mar – Sheffield, Leadmill
Tue 4 Mar – Liverpool, O2 Academy
Fri 7 Mar – Manchester, Aviva Studios, home of Factory International
Sun 8 Mar – Birmingham, O2 Institute
Mon 10 Mar – Nottingham, Rock City
Tue 11 Mar – Norwich, Waterfront
Thu 13 Mar – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Fri 14 Mar – Bristol, SWX
Sat 15 Mar – Southampton, Engine Rooms
Mon 17 Mar – Brighton, Chalk
Tue 18 Mar – Oxford, O2 Academy
Tickets for all dates go on general sale on Thursday 21 November at 9.30am HERE.
You can be a part of Christmas movie history by travelling on The Polar Express near Manchester
Thomas Melia
A stream train experience inspired by one of the biggest Christmas films of all time is happening just outside of Manchester.
Released back in 2004, The Polar Express is the seventh highest-grossing Christmas film of all time, and is packed with a star-studded cast, including Tom Hanks voicing multiple characters, and the Elf Lieutenant and Elf Singer both fronted by Aerosmith lead singer, Steven Tyler.
The love for the film has only grown stronger over the years, amassing worldwide acclaim – with train rides inspired by the film taking place in Canada, Grand Canyon in the US, and now, not too far from Manchester.
You can be a part of Christmas movie history by travelling on The Polar Express near Manchester / Credit: Publicity Picture
Churnet Valley Railway is clearly as big of a fan of the film as the rest of the world, and is bringing the steam train ride to children and adults alike, offering both a standard and premium class tickets.
Passengers who purchase standard tickets receive a free hot chocolate, a freshly-baked cookie, and a silver sleigh bell.
Guests who are considering the premium ticket are treated to an exclusive souvenir ceramic mug, while groups will get a train ride goodie bag to share, as well as hot chocolate, cookie, and silver bell.
This steam railway might just win the award for biggest the Polar Express fans ever, as they have an online blog dedicated to fun little quotes from the characters, biographies on the main cast, and breaking down key scenes directly from the film.
There’s even an article dedicated to pyjama etiquette and it encourages guests to wear their bedtime gowns too, So go on, put your best comfies on and hop on this old-school steam train.
Emily Sergeant -
11th May 2021 
