Wonderland makes stories come to life at Hay Festival for The Telegraph

With only one more day till the Hay Festival in Wales, the countdown is on. This year Hay Festival is celebrating its 25th birthday gathering together the best and most exhilarating filmmakers, comedians, politicians, writers’ and musicians for a festival bringing together all ages with a huge variety of events throughout the ten days.

Last year Wonderland built a shabby chic library for The Telegraph in a field at the festival that we received fantastic feedback for and we were delighted to be asked to be involved again in the Telegraph’s tent at the festival this year.

This year’s tent is finally ready and we have created a world where stories come to life, with an illustrated cutout cardboard mural depicting classic books, printed wallpaper created from newspapers, reception table made from rolled-up newspapers, origami newspaper-ducks in bell jars, an interactive printing roll for festival-goers to draw on and play sudoku and Telegraph crosswords, alongside an touch screen interactive video wall.

Our brief from The Telegraph was to continue the warm, inviting and creative atmosphere we produced for them at last year's festival, where we created a vintage library installation with a desk of books, booklined wallpaper, comfy chairs and chesterfields, and added papier mâché animal heads on the walls for a touch of humour.

We will be spotting the stars with confirmed guests like Actor, singer and campaigner Harry Belafont and Chris Evans who will be doing the BBC’s radio 2 Breakfast show live from the Hay Festival on Friday 1st June. Events will include music, stories and new, fresh ideas and we can’t wait!

Vintage Americana Event

In contrast to the Cool Britannia trend sweeping the nation (and the Wonderland office), our Vintage American candy stall was the star of the show in our stars and stripes deep south themed spectacular aboard London's very own mississippi paddle steamer, the Dixie queen.

 

Macaroon towers, Mississippi mud cupcakes, lemon meringue cupcakes, jars full of candy, bon bons, candy canes and Hershey kisses filled cut glass jars and balanced on antique weighing scales.

Elsewhere onboard guests flipped a few cards at the casino, snapped some pics in the retro photo booth, ate a New Orleans inspired menu of gumbo and chicken with creamed corn, drank mint julep cocktails, all to a background of pretty white flowers in mint julep vases, US flags and a swinging Dixie jazz band.

Best of British - long live the trend!

With the Queen's jubilee in just a few weeks' time and the Olympics beginning in three months, the Best of British trend has never been so popular. And what a great trend for events. Every key area of an event can take advantage of the trend, from event catering to styling, furniture to entertainment, lighting to the venue itself...

Catering is a good place to start, as British food has never been so popular or of such high quality. Locally sourced, delicious British food takes pride of place, and there are so many quirky takes on British classics for a fun event. Mini full English breakfasts in little frying pans, delicate quails eggs, Bramley apple cake pops, tiny portions of fish n chips in branded newspaper cones, afternoon tea picnics served in hampers with gingham inlays.

Event styling is where we can really let loose on the Best of British trend - eccentric papier mache animal heads on the walls (why stick with a stag? Try a badger, pig or sheep!), union jack chesterfield armchairs, hanging ribbons in red, white and blue, a neon bulldog guarding the entrance....or go down the refined English route, with stately home styling, hat stands, ornate mirrors and beautiful installations.

Best of British entertainment abounds, from a classic Beatles band to cutting edge DJs, parlour maids and butlers or Queen Elizabeth herself (well, a very good likeness!). Or one of our homegrown British talents - of which the list is endless.

Here's hoping the Best of British event trend continues past 2012, our year of celebrations, as there are so many fun and impressive ways to make the trend come alive. Long live the trend! 

Mini mahem

Mini food bites, especially in the desserts department have been hugely popular in recent years. This trend has been an events industry favourite, as these mini desert ‘tapas’ are often more practical to serve and eat, add a playful variety to the menu and allow guests to sample a little bit of everything without filling up too much. This year we are seeing the trendy miniature deserts from the past evolving with new exciting variations popping up.

Firstly we have the Pie Pop. A new take on the cake pop, these miniature sweet pies on sticks really do look beautiful. Think traditional fillings packed with flavour like apple and raspberry or chocolate pecan.

The cupcake is still making waves in the industry but this year, miniature gourmet donuts are set to be a substantial contender. Think original flavours such as chai latte, star anise and chocolate or a light lavender donut filled with lemon curd. Yum.

Finally, we have the cake push pop. We were lucky enough to have a sample of these delivered to our office recently and they really are different and sure to touch your inner child. Originating from the US, these are like a marriage between a cupcake and old school push pop and can make for a very unique looking dessert, themed to any occasion. 

It's summer, go savoury!

Savoury cocktails have been gaining traction for some time now, and as modern mixology becomes more experimental, this trend is certain to continue into 2012.

Here at Wonderland we’re busy planning an array of summer events from garden parties to festivals and there’s nothing better to satisfy your guest’s thirst than a drink that is not only refreshing but also beautiful to look at.

There are many savoury ingredients that can be added to make your event cocktails shine and looking to the herb garden is definitely a popular choice for this summer. Why not add one of these fresh herb Cocktails to your menu? :

Strawberry and Basil Lemonade: Strawberry Infused Vodka, Sliced and pureed Strawberries, Basil Leaves, topped with Lemonade. Garnished with Basil Leaves and Whole Strawberries.

Thyme and Raspberry Gin Smash: Gin, Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Crushed Raspberries, Sugar Syrup, Lime Juice. Garnished with a Rosemary Sprig and Whole Raspberries.

Ginger and Rosemary Lemon Drops: Vodka, Lemon Juice, Rosemary Sprigs, Ginger and Sugar. Garnished with a Rosemary Sprig.

“Grown up Mojito“: Gin, Elderflower Liquer, Peeled Cucumber, Spearmint Leaves, Lime Juice. Garnish with wafer thin Cucumber Slices.

Or how about putting a twist on a savoury classic? Blue Bloody Mary: Bourbon, Celery Salt, Tabasco, Worcester Sauce, Wasabi Paste and Tomato Juice. Garnished with a Lime Wedge, Celery Stick and Olives Stuffed with a Smidgen of Blue Cheese.

Sugar Snap Pea and Jasmine Cocktail: Sugar Snap Pea Infused Japanese Shohu, Cooled Jasmine Tea, Simple Syrup. Garnished with a Sugar Snap Pea and a Bamboo Skewer.

Or if you’re feeling really adventurous and want to add a serious talking point to your event menu, add a modern mixology shocker, using ingredients usually confined to the dinner plate. Smokey Bacon Manhattan: Bacon Infused Bourbon, Maple Syrup, Cherry Syrup and Sweet and Dry Vermouth. Garnished with an Extremely Crispy Bacon Swirl. Be sure to eat the garnish first!