The Big Bonanza promises to be full of jokes, mischief and pranks this Easter and will take place at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst.
To celebrate 70 years of Dennis, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has partnered with Beano Studios in a deal brokered by Rocket Licensing, for a Big Bonanza full of jokes, mischief and pranks this Easter. Taking place between Wednesday 31st March and Sunday 18th April 2021 at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, visitors can join in the fun with a brand-new, giant, 3D comic strip created especially for the milestone occasion.
Fun for kids and grown-ups alike, the birthday bash will feature a host of characters from the popular Beano comic and much-loved TV series, Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!
Vanessa Andreis, Franchise Planning & Partnerships director at Beano Studios, said: “2021 marks Dennis’s 70th anniversary, and what better way to start the celebrations than a Beano extravaganza for the whole family at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst. Beano has a unique, cross-generational family appeal and we can’t wait for everyone who has loved us throughout the years to come and join the fun.”
At Kew, visitors will join Dennis and his Beanotown friends on a mission to protect the banana from Dr Gloom and the risk of extinction, and rescue Bananaman, who has been shrunk by the evil villain. They will follow the story on an interactive trail, with stops along the way to discover the powers of plants that will help save the day.
With help from new characters based on members of RBG Kew staff – Lee (The Fun Guy who loves Fungi) and Katie (the tree-swinging Horti-hero) – visitors will join Dennis and friends in learning about some of nature’s cleverest tricks in the plant kingdom. At the end of the mission, they can enjoy a slice of Dennis’ favourite banana cake for his big birthday picnic.
Interactive activities along the trail, in true Beano style, will include noise-making whoopie cushion steppingstones, bendy mirrors transforming onlookers into villain-catching superheroes, and foot-pump water pistols (at Kew Gardens only). Visitors can also take a quiz to discover which Beano character matches their own personality.
At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, young visitors will be invited to take on the Beano Banana Mission, to track down hidden bananas buried among Wakehurst’s wild habitats and discover the letters that accompany each piece of fruit. A top-secret prize, provided in collaboration with Beano licensees, awaits those who can solve the anagram to crack the password.
Sandra Botterell, director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: “We are delighted to celebrate 70 years of Dennis with Beano at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst this Easter. Dennis and Gnasher’s Big Bonanza will bring plenty of fun and games to the gardens, and is sure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Telling critical science stories through such iconic characters is a super way to engage young visitors with RBG Kew’s vital work, while copious tricks and pranks will ensure everybody is kept entertained on what promises to be a brilliant day out over the holidays.”
