ON a golden afternoon more than 150 years ago, an Oxford professor wrote one of literature's most loved children's novels.

To celebrate Lewis Carroll's masterpiece 'Alice in Wonderland' Oxford will fall down his iconic rabbit hole with characters of his book coming to life in the city centre.

Alice's Day on Saturday will see the city alive with workshops, events and entertainment from wonderland.

This year's celebrations will focus on the animals in the novel from the White Rabbit to the Cheshire Cat and the Caterpillar.

David Gibb, marketing and communications officer at The Story Museum, said: "Alice's Day is going to be very special this year.

"The theme this year is animals in wonderland, they play a huge part in the books and it is special for the Story Museum as we currently have our animal exhibition.

"It is going to build on the success of last year."

Last year's celebrations saw 8,000 people flock to the city centre.

Returning this year will be Spanish company, Teatre Nu, with their interactive street performance in Radcliffe Square.

Their performance of 'Alice's Dream' takes audience members on a journey which sees them becoming the main character in the narrative.

The formidable Queen of Hearts will be on her throne in Broad Street for an audience with passers-by and retailers throughout the city will be displaying white rabbits in their shops for a special treasure hunt.

Mr Gibb added: "We are delighted to be able to celebrate one of the most iconic pieces of literature with the whole community.

"The book has a real tie and identity to Oxford and we really hope the whole city will get behind us on Saturday.

"There are so many shops, museums and companies who are involved this year.

"We would also like to thank the city council for funding and supporting Alice's Day."

Visitors will also be able to walk into wonderland as Christ Church College will open its doors for guided talks around the college.

Hannah Chinnery, events co-ordinator at Blackwell's bookshop in Oxford, said: "We are going to be running arts and crafts throughout the day where children will have the opportunity to make their own moveable caterpillar and animal ears.

"Then we will have the White Rabbit down reading extracts of the novel and a shadow hand puppet show by one of my colleagues.

"Ever since I have worked for Blackwell, which is six years now, we have been a part of Alice's Day.

"It is such a wonderful celebration and if it means we can reach out to the younger generation and encourage their imaginations, then that is great."

For a full programme of Saturday's events visit: storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/alices-day-2016/