Norwich Rainbows go to Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Hundreds of Rainbows travelled from across the county to take part in an Alice in Wonderland adventure at Hautbois activity centre in Coltishall.

Groups of five to seven-year-old Rainbows brought their wellies and rain-coats to battle the heavy down-pours on their expedition.

The girls were treated to tents, balloons, silver looking-glass mock up doors and a large marquee all for the famous Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

All the characters from the story were there, from the King of Hearts, and Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, a flamingo and the Mad Hatter who greeted the Rainbows at the entrance.

Young leaders of 14-26 led a rotation of three different activities including; Cheshire Cat Corner, where the girls could climb a low ropes course, a craft-making tent and a Magic Key challenge.

Morwenna Johns, a Rainbow, said: 'I had to wear a hat to play on the ropes, I was scared at first but in the end it I loved it and I want to do it again.'

A game of croquet and the hunt for The White Rabbit's watch were among the activities and an array of professional dancers and singers were hired for the special day.

After the famous Mad Hatter's Tea Party, the girls followed The White Rabbit to the enchanted garden to watch a magic show.

Daisy Ede, a Rainbow from 2nd Aylsham Rainbows said: 'My favourite thing today was dancing with the Mad Hatter. He said made up words and it was really funny.'

Region Rainbow advisor Elaine Shields, 58, from Norwich, said: 'It was lovely to see all of the Rainbows coming together as the seven-year-olds helped the three-year-olds with activities.

The girls in our small unit of 15 suddenly realised that they weren't the only Rainbows in the world.'

Mrs Shields, who is with 3rd Thorpe Rainbows said: 'After the day ended at 4pm we were asked by the girls: When can we do it again?'

And the team have already thought of their new theme – The Wizard of Oz.

Are you organising a special event? Email rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk