THIS weekend sees the second annual Big Lunch in Newent, or organisers are saying it will be even bigger and better than before, with an Alice in Wonderland theme.

Visitors can expect to find themselves at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, to mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of the famous children's book, by Lewis Carroll.

Those attending should bring their own picnics.

The food-focussed event is run for the community and visitors by the Voice of Newent group, and it will take place by Newent Lake on Sunday June 7, 2015 from noon to 4pm.

Event spokesman, Colin Thomas said: "The Voice of Newent is a Newent based voluntary community group that organises, and helps people to organise, events to raise funds for deserving causes.

"Following on from the inaugural Newent Big Lunch last year this one promises to be a bigger and better event with more stalls than ever.

"The theme this year will be the magical Mad Hatters' Tea Party, and you will see characters such as Alice, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts and the March Hare and you are welcome to bring your own costume if you wish."

Mr Thomas added: "A main attraction will be the "Soak a Bloke" which will feature our very own District Councillor, Len Lawton, for one."

Local scouts will be giving a handbells display and The Strawberry Hill Dancers will also perform.

Stalls will include sweets from Sweet Memories, Chutneys from Maggies Kitchen, fruit juicing with Newent in Bloom, cake making and hat decorating with Fair Shares, and teas with the Chill Out Zone.

Activities will include story telling in the story telling tent, face painting, and petting animals.

Mr Thomas said: "The Big Lunch is a simple idea with the aim to get as many people as possible to have lunch with their neighbours in a simple act of friendship and fun.

"The Voice of Newent embraced these sentiments to put on the first Big Lunch which was such a success and received such praise from the people of Newent that it was decided to make it an annual event so please come and enjoy the day."