Winterbourne Botanic Garden is offering visitors the chance to step back in time, when the garden hosts its annual Edwardian Fete on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June.

The two day event will include music, local craft stands and traditional refreshments. Tours will also be available through the six acres of gardens, which will be in full bloom in early June.

The Edwardian Fete, which is now in its fifth year celebrates the garden as it was in 1903 when it was created by Margaret Nettlefold. Visitors are actively encouraged to don period clothes and enter the world of Edwardian England. The lower lawns will host traditional children’s games and donkey rides. Visitors will also be able to enjoy candy floss, home made cakes and ice cream, served from an original ice cream bicycle.

Many local nurseries and garden societies will be selling plants and giving advice about gardening over the two days. There will also be a range of entertainment including, local bands and a magic lantern show accompanied by folk verse.

Those interested in the history of the garden will also be able to see a large collection of archive photographs alongside the roses.

 The Garden’s Curator Alison Darby said: “Winterbourne is a wonderful garden, which maintains it’s original Edwardian Layout. The Edwardian Fete is a perfect time to enjoy the plants and flowers with the Edwardian entertainment and music as an added pleasure.”

 The Fete is open from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June 2006. Entrance is £4 per head, £1.50 for children aged five to sixteen, under 5¹s are free. Visitors in authentic Edwardian dress qualify for free admittance. The Garden cannot admit dogs other than guide dogs.

For more information call the Information Line on 0121 414 3832 or email us at unibotanic@bham.ac.uk.

For further media information please contact Ben Hill, Press Officer at the University of Birmingham on 0121 414 5134 or mobile 07789 921163

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NOTES TO EDITORS

Photocall: Photographers are welcome to photograph volunteers in Edwardian Dress at Winterbourne Botanic Garden on Thursday 1 June at 12pm. Please call the press office for accreditation.