MAD Hatters, White Rabbits and Cheshire Cats were among thousands to go through the looking glass at an annual Oxford festival organised by a leading mental health charity.

The Elder Stubbs Festival drew stallholders from a variety of causes and performers from far and wide on Saturday, and this year the theme was Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Money raised by the family day, held at the Elder Stubbs Allotments in Cowley, will go towards helping Oxford-based Restore to promote mental well-being.

And despite worries during the week that heavy rain could disrupt proceedings, it stopped in time to allow festival-goers to enjoy the lush surroundings.

One of the charity’s community fundraisers, Lisa Hanton, said: “It’s gone brilliantly. The weather has been great and we have had a fabulous turnout and it’s been non-stop since the doors opened. Everyone’s enjoying the music and getting into the spirit of the community."

And a fancy dress parade drew about 20 people in Alice in Wonderland costumes and was presided over by the Lord Mayor of Oxford, councillor Jean Fooks.

Stallholder Lynne Wade from Greater Leys attended the festival with her friend Gloria Shields and sold crocheted blankets, craft items and a visitor favourite, crab apple jelly.

She said: “It’s very good. We thoroughly enjoy this day, we come every year. We love the day out in the orchards. I think it’s the experience of a lifetime to be here.

“I have been coming for the last 10 years.”

A visitor to the stall, Sue Stephens, has booked her regular trips to the UK from her native New Zealand to include the festival during her stay.

She said: “I came here four years ago and I have been to it ever since. There’s always a special atmosphere and I love it.”

About 40 stalls were dotted around the allotment site. They had been set up at about 8am on Saturday morning, with about 70 volunteers and 20 members of staff pitching in.

Children enjoyed donkey rides around part of the complex and could also take a ride on swing boats.

Some visitors danced the day away in front of the main stage, which was headlined by Emily Maguire, and the festival’s reggae tent.

Restore runs one of its six recovery groups in a building at the allotment site. People who attend there are supported to develop skills and confidence by working as part of a group.

To find out more about Restore visit www.restore.org.uk.