Mad Hatter's Tea party one of 'Stockfest' highlights

‘Stockfest 2014’, a two week celebration of culture, arts, music, crafts and family events, kicked off with a ‘jazz picnic’ in the picturesque grounds of Stockcross House on Saturday evening.
Guests were invited to bring along their hampers and champers and enjoy an evening of entertainment courtesy of The Gail Hendrickx Jazz Experience, who have recorded several albums and performed across Europe.
The band, featuring Gail Hendrickx on vocals, Peter Bingham on saxophone, Gavin Wilkinson on guitar, Johhny Slack on bass and Fabio Iacono on drums, belted out a mix of both standard and modern jazz.
At St John’s Church on Sunday, the Wessex Harpers, a harp ensemble based in Hampshire, performed a programme of favourites from the English and Celtic traditions.
Stockcross House again provided the setting for a family event on Tuesday afternoon as the Mad Hatter and his friends, from the Stockcross Panto Players, entertained adults and kids alike by hosting a scrumptious Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea party.
There was also a series of games for the children and the Mad Hatter himself even got a faceful of cake in the name of entertainment.
One of the organisers of Stockfest, Viv Wilson, said: “It has been a brilliant start to this year’s Stockfest and we can’t wait for the rest of the festival.”
Stockfest runs from August 9 - 24.