How to Host a Whizzpopping Roald Dahl Day Party

Every year on 13 September, fans celebrate the birthday of Roald Dahl, one of Britain’s best-loved authors. 

From the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the mischievous tales of Fantastic Mr Fox, his stories are packed with food, drink and feasting – making them perfect inspiration for a themed party.

If you’re looking for ways to mark Roald Dahl Day, here are some brilliant food, drink, and activity ideas for children and adults alike.

Themed Party Ideas

Pick a single story for your party theme, or mix and match elements from across Dahl’s world:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Golden tickets, sweet treats and chocolate fountains.

The BFG – Dream jars, frobscottle (fizzy green drinks), and giant-themed snacks.

Matilda – A cosy bookish tea party complete with Bruce Bogtrotter’s enormous chocolate cake.

Fantastic Mr Fox – Rustic woodland-inspired food and autumn harvest decorations.

Marvellous Food and Drink

Food is central to Dahl’s stories, so your menu should be as magical as the books themselves. Try these ideas:

Willy Wonka’s chocolate delights – cupcakes, fountains, or even chocolate-dipped fruit.

Bruce Bogtrotter’s cake – bake or buy a decadent chocolate cake and make it the centrepiece.

Enormous fruit platters – slices of watermelon, giant peaches, and seasonal fruit skewers.

Frobscottle fizz – create your own version with lemonade, lime cordial, or sparkling apple juice served in tall bottles.

Scrumdiddlyumptious snacks – think popcorn, rainbow jelly pots, or even “snozzcumber” crudités with dip.

Tip: In the UK, you’ll often find special activity packs, recipe cards and event ideas released by Penguin Books in partnership with Roald Dahl Story Day. These can be a great starting point for themed menus and games.

Party Games and Activities

Keep the fun flowing with interactive activities:

Golden Ticket Hunt – hide golden tickets (printed at home or wrapped in chocolate bars) for guests to find.

Costume Parade – invite guests to dress as their favourite character – Matilda, the Twits, or even Willy Wonka himself.

Crafting Station – decorate dream jars, create fox masks, or design your own Wonka bar wrapper.

Story Time – host a dramatic reading of short passages from Dahl’s books.

Décor with a Dahl Twist

Your decorations don’t need to be elaborate – just bold, colourful, and a little bit eccentric:

Hang quote banners with favourite Dahl sayings.

Create oversized props like giant lollipops, cardboard chocolate bars, or paper peaches.

Use mix-and-match tableware in bright, playful patterns.

Make It a Party with Purpose

Roald Dahl Day isn’t just fun – it’s also a chance to support good causes. Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity helps seriously ill children and young people across the UK. You could turn your party into a fundraiser by:

Asking for small donations in exchange for party entry.

Holding a raffle with book- or food-themed prizes.

Selling slices of that famous chocolate cake for charity.

Find out more at www.roalddahlcharity.org

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a family tea party, a school celebration, or a community event, Roald Dahl Day is a golden opportunity to get creative with food, drink and fun. As the great man himself said: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

So roll up your sleeves, break out the chocolate, and get ready for a whizzpopping celebration!