On the first weekend of December, Rochester comes alive with its wonderful Dickensian Christmas Festival with the emphasis on Charles Dicken's Christmas novel “A Christmas Carol.” Each day there are parades through Rochester and the magnificent surroundings of Rochester's Victorian High Street, the Cathedral and Castle and guaranteed snowfall create a charming scene. Rochester's Dickensian Christmas has been held annually since 1988, which is fitting, as Medway held such a special place in Charles Dickens' life and work. Join in with the Dickens characters, street entertainers, the atmosphere is full of Christmas tunes. You'll be captivated by Dickens' characters as you explore the literary journey that was the great writer's life.
There are colourful costumed parades and processions culminating with a candlelit procession and Carol Concert outside Rochester's magnificent Norman Cathedral with its fine Romanesque facade. This annual event is always worth visiting. Lovers of Dickens novels should set aside at least 2 1/2 hours to follow the Dickens Walk and see such details as the Restoration House, the ancient city mansion where the author located Miss Faversham.
The festival begins on Friday evening with the Grand Mistletoe Ball at the Corn Exchange. A three-course meal will be followed by music from The Donn Barcott Band, to book tickets call 01795 843317. Then on Saturday you can pick up some bargain Christmas gifts from ‘Bespoke 2008' in The Prince's Hall at the Corn Exchange, open from 10.30am to 4.30pm, this free event showcases the best of Medway's talented designers and makers. Santa Claus will be in residence at Eastgate House from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, while at 3pm on Saturday Dickens' great, great grandson Gerald will perform his acclaimed one-man interpretation of A Christmas Carol at The Queens' Hall. Ashley Davis, Town Centre Manager will host the sumptuous Bull Dinner at 7.30pm at the Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel and at the same time the Christmas Concert ‘with a twist' will be held at St Margaret's Church, with organist Gavin Williams and friends. ?
The fun continues on Sunday with John Bromley-Davenport QC's adaptation of A Christmas Carol in the cathedral nave at 1pm. Experience some real traditional entertainment at 2pm when The Fabulous FezHeads, England's premier sand dance vaudevillian illusionists, will baffle and amuse the audience at The Queen's Hall. On both days The Seven Poor Travellers' Procession will set off from the Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel at 11am to the Six Poor Travellers' House, in time for the carving of the Christmas turkey. At noon Mayor of Medway will lead a procession of Dickens' characters and other participants from the junction of High Street and Almon Place to Rochester Castle Gardens. The candlelit parade sets out from the same spot at 4.45pm, followed by an open-air carol concert overlooking Rochester Cathedral at 5pm. The BAE Systems Brass Band will lead a selection of carols which will be enhancing by a guaranteed snowfall.?
This is all in addition to the Dickens Christmas Market which will be taking place in the grounds of Rochester Castle Gardens from 3rd to 19th December and a traditional funfair located on the Esplanade. With a wealth of street entertainment and activities at other venues, it should be a spectacular start to the festive season. A full programme can be downloaded online
here or call Medway Visitor Information Centre on 01634 for more details.
Dickensian Festival Weekend (4th & 5th December) - Travel Information:
Town Centre parking will be extremely limited during the festival. We strongly advise visitors to use the free park and ride service, which will operate from the following locations between 9am and 6pm on all three days of the festival.
- Strood Academy, ME2 2SX (off A2 Junction 1 off the M2)
- Dickens World multi-storey car park, Chatham Maritime, ME4 4LL. (pick up from Dock Head Road off M2/A2 &A289)
For all sites please follow the yellow directional sites after leaving the motorway.