Tatton Park celebrates Roald Dahl's centenary

Friday 5th February 2016


A year of special events themed around Roald Dahl's stories
The most gloriumptious things are set to happen in 2016 as Tatton Park in Cheshire embarks on a magical journey celebrating 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl. Working closely with the Roald Dahl Literary Estate and legendary illustrator Quentin Blake, the year-long programme of events at Tatton Park is jam-packed with surprises for Dahl and Blake fans of all ages. From Easter to the end of September visitors will be invited to join DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD in the Gardens, FANTASTIC MR FOX at the Farm and MATILDA in the Mansion….and out in the Parkland THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE will be lurking in a special children's trail.

Quentin Blake's much-loved illustrations will appear throughout, including a specially-commissioned drawing of the House (pictured) to act as a backdrop to the celebrations.

Kicking off the year’s events will be a Splendiferous Scarecrow Festival in the Gardens in February, an opportunity to meet some terrific scarecrows inspired by the best-loved of Roald Dahl’s characters. Expect to be entertained as Illyria Outdoor Theatre puts on a splendid performance of DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD in the spectacular outdoor setting of the Old Hall. Outdoor cinema comes to Tatton’s beautiful Parkland with a late summer evening screening of WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY starring the legendary Gene Wilder. And there will be plenty of invitations to settle down and listen in as Roald Dahl’s extraordinary storytelling weaves its way through the Park throughout the year.
 
Calendar of activities and events for Roald Dahl 100 at Tatton Park
- Splendiferous Scarecrow Festival in the Gardens: Sat 13 – Sun 21 Feb (closed Monday)
- Cover to Cover: Roald Dahl around the World:  Sat 19 Mar – Sun 30 Oct
 A fascinating mansion exhibition displaying illustrations of Roald Dahl book jackets from across the world. 
- Phiz-Whizzing Trails: Fri 25 Mar – Sun 2 Oct
 Danny the Champion of the World in the Gardens, Fantastic Mr Fox at the Farm, Matilda in the Mansion, The Enormous Crocodile in the Parkland
- Charlie Chocolate Easter: Fri 25 - Mon 28 March
- Fantastic Mr Fox Activities at the Farm: Tue 26 Jul - Fri 26 Aug
 Mr Fox invites you to spend the most marvellous summer day joining him in a farmyard packed with fun. Go on a journey to find the den, get creative in the writing hut, be entertained, listen in to story telling and enjoy one of your best days ever!
- Danny the Champion of the World Outdoor Theatre at the Old Hall: *Sat Aug 27
 Join Illyria as they promise a terrific performance of DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD as he masterminds the most incredible and exciting plot ever to save his Dad from danger.
- Roald Dahl Big Picnic Day: Sun Sep 11
 Pack a picnic and come and celebrate the month Roald Dahl, the world’s best story teller, was born.Bags of activities to make for a splendiferous time.
- Willy Wonka Outdoor Cinema*: Sun Sep 11
 A late summer screening of WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY starring the legendary Gene Wilder as Wonka. Grab your golden ticket and bring a picnic.*
- A Frightsome Halloween: Sat 22 – Sun 30 Oct
 “Witches are easily the most dangerous of all the living creatures on earth.” This half -term be spooktaculary entertained by a park full of Roald Dahl Witchy mischief….and plenty of mice!
- A Gloriumptious Christmas Mansion*: late November – December
 “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it”. Step into our Christmas mansion and into Roald Dahl’s magical world as his extraordinary storytelling weaves itself through the grand staterooms and into the bustling servants’ quarters. Normal opening times and prices apply
*Additional charges and opening arrangements apply to this event. Visit www.tattonpark.org.uk/RoaldDahl for details
 
Tatton Park is managed and financed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust. This impressive historic estate receives in the region of 850,000 visitors every year all of whom come to enjoy its Georgian Mansion, Tudor Old Hall, award - winning Gardens and 1930s rare breeds Farm. The 1,000-acre deer park is home to red and fallow deer and the estate also boasts speciality shops, an adventure playground, restaurant, Gardener’s Cottage tea room and year-round events programme.