Hunt the eggs at 'Downton' (From This is Hampshire)

Annual Easter egg hunt for charity

11:00am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Joanne Mace

THE annual Easter egg hunt in aid of Naomi House children’s hospice will return to the grounds of Highclere Castle – television’s Downton Abbey.

Last year, more than 2,000 people joined in the fun to raise £5,000 for the charity, which cares for life-limited and life-threatened children and their families. This year’s event, on Easter Sunday, March 31, promises to be bigger and better.

Activities will take place between 11am and 4pm and there is an action-packed programme of entertainment scheduled.

Children are invited to get creative and take their Easter bonnets along for a special parade, with prizes available to the winners. There may even be some well-known guest judges on the day.

New events and activities for this year include a Rolls-Royce and Ferrari display, vintage military vehicles, and music from the 1940s courtesy of the Three Belles. Visitors can also enjoy falconry displays, a petting farm, a traditional fete and the usual attractions.

A huge range of local traders will sell their wares from stalls dotted around the grounds of the castle, the inspiration and shooting location for ITV1’s hugely popular costume drama.

Pam Bacon, event organiser for Naomi House, said: “Last year’s Easter egg hunt was such a huge success with people coming from far and wide to enjoy the day.

“This year, we have even more going on and the Earl and Countess Carnarvon have been kind enough to give us even more space for events and activities. We can’t wait to welcome all of our eager egg hunters on the day.”

Entry to the castle’s grounds, including entry to the egg hunt, costs £5. For further information, visit naomihouse.org.uk.