HARTFORD’S Picnic in the Park is set to be a mad affair this weekend with the annual event taking on a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party theme.


The picnic, which is organised by the Hartford Parish Council, will be on Sunday, July 6, at Grange Park, Bradburns Lane.


The event opens at Midday, and will run until 5pm and will take place for the third year running after the initial picnic was held for the Jubilee in 2012 and attracted more than 500 people.


Families are invited to bring along their own picnics, drinks, chairs and gazebos.


Rachel Bridge, one of the organisers of the event, said: “Last year was really good and there were a lot more people than the year before so hopefully it will keep getting better each year.”


“It’s a free event and there is something for everybody, for young and old.”


Various activities will also be on offer including a white rabbit hopping race as well as an obstacle course race run by Karen Rogers from Fitmums for friends and family to enter in pairs.


Age UK will be there to share their range of exercises for a gentler approach.


There will also be a Mad Hatter themed croquet course with Alice in Wonderland designed hoops made by art student Calvin Edge.


Rachel added: “I really appreciate the help Calvin has give us by creating the hoops they look really fantastic and we also got help from Age UK’s Men in Sheds and a local artist called Michael Troy as well.


Guests of the party are encouraged to walk to the event, but parking will be available at the Legion, Grange School and Church Hall Car parks.