Join Romeo Rabbit, Toad of Toad Hall and Henry Vlll for Easter

Where can you help Romeo Rabbit escape the clutches of the wicked seductress Julie Rabbit; meet Toad, Ratty and Badger... and bump into a right royal parade of Tudor and Georgian Kings and Queens ?

Answer .... Groombridge Place Gardens and the Enchanted Forest near Tunbridge Wells, where they will all be taking part in the exciting Easter Eggstravaganza.

Every Easter, Romeo Rabbit gets into yet another scrape, and this year is no exception. Regular visitors will remember that he spends most of his time protecting the chocolate eggs from Evil Eggbert the Eggmaster and in this year's hilarious outdoor mini-pantomime Eggbert has plenty of tricks up his sleeve, including the mysterious Julie Rabbit.

Romeo falls in love the minute he sees her and is distracted from his task of protecting the eggs. But where did she come from and is she all she seems? Can Romeo's friends Orienteering Turtle and Algernon Shrew help him or will Evil Eggbert succeed in stealing the eggs? Without a doubt they will need your help, so come along to help good triumph over evil...and get your reward of a chocolate egg!

Join Toad of Toad Hall and his companions Mole, Ratty and Badger in the Enchanted Forest for a journey through the Wind in the Willows as they perform a 'walking play' in various locations. See Ratty pottering around by his boat, listen to Toad's tall stories and follow Badger into the wild wood to outwit the wicked weasels.

In complete contrast to the riotous animal capers, the formal gardens will be a haven of royal splendour. Dressed in glorious period costume, actors will re-enact the life and times of Henry Vlll and Elizabeth l, of 'mad' King George lll Queen Charlotte and their extravagant son the Prince Regent, and of Queen Victoria .

Aspiring acrobats and clowns will have an opportunity to test their skills at the circus workshops, and learn how to juggle, plate spin and stilt walk.

Adam the zeedonk - a cross between a donkey and a zebra and one of only a couple in the country - will be in his paddock with his faithful companion Peaches the miniature donkey; the giant rabbits will be in their 'village' and there will be birds of prey flying demonstrations.

The gardens, which have recently undergone a huge replanting programme, will be a tapestry of spring colour. Ten thousand spring bulbs - including 6,500 tulips - were planted last autumn and the air will be perfumed with the heady scent of narcissi, hyacinths, violets, primroses, tulips and blossom-laden trees.

In the forest, tens of thousands of bluebells will be bursting into flower and the paths lined with delicate woodland plants. For children - and the young at heart - there is a half mile long adventure trail with log walks, giant swings and tunnels; a hilltop fort, tepee and Romany Camp and hidden creatures in the trees. There are also the Ivan Hicks designed gardens, including the Serpents Lair, the Mystic Pool and the Groms Village.

Freshly prepared meals and snacks will be available from Garden Room and food stalls, and gifts and mementoes from the Country Store.

The gardens are open daily until 6th November from 9.30am to 6pm, or dusk if earlier. The Easter Eggstravaganza takes place on Easter Sunday and Monday, April 11th and 12th. Tickets are priced adults £8.50; seniors £7.20; child (3-12) £7.00 and a family ticket to admit two adults and two children, £28.50.

For further information, please contact:

Alison Hardy, Maxim PR & Marketing on 01892 513033 / [email protected]