ROCHESTER DICKENS FESTIVAL |
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Festival Highlights News and
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FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTSwe are gradually building up this page to showcase regular highlights of the festivals. If you would like make our lives easier by submitting an item, or correct any errors, please contact us
Readings from DickensIt is well worthwhile seeking out the free readings from Dickens which take place in several venues around Rochester during the Festivals. More information can be found in the brochure. Details will be in the festival brochure, including ticketing arrangements, which change from year to year. Readers vary according to availability, but look out for members of the Dickens Fellowship and Gerald Dickens, the great great grandson of Charles. The Dickens Competitions
The competitions are very informal, very friendly, and great fun. The format changed in 2011 - all the competitions moved to the Saturday and the 'Best Ladies Ball Gown', 'Best Dickensian Family', and 'Gurning' competitions were dropped. As and when we hear more about future plans we will pass the information on. The most important preparation is to get hold of a Festival programme from the Medway Council website, or from the Rochester Tourist Information Office, and read the schedule and the rules. You just have to turn up on the day, and you can expect a friendly welcome. Of course, if you are hoping to win, some competitions are easier than others! The best preparation is to watch the competition in action - if you can't wait a year the best alternative is a 'Youtube' video which includes your intended competition, such as this one, which features the Victorian Lady's Homemade Costume.
One of these could be yours! A Trip on the 'Kingswear Castle' After an extended trip the paddle steamer arrives at Rochester Pier and the Festival characters join the entertainers to form the Grand Parade. Steamer tickets are available in advance - booking information is to be found in the Festival brochure. The Summer Festival Ball and the Christmas Mistletoe Ball
The Dickensian Ball is the first event of each Festival, and by tradition takes place in the magnificent Corn Market. The dress code is, of course Victorian, and the grander the better! It is an occasion to renew friendships as well as a chance to show off costumes, and usually gives us a chance to welcome International visitors as well as our Civic dignitaries . The evening starts with a three course meal, followed by dancing which includes something for everyone, from traditional ballroom to modern as well as old time. Email us If you would like to be put on the mailing list.
The Story of the Seven poor TravellersThe Story of the Seven Poor travellers is enacted each morning of the Dickensian Christmas Festival. It celebrates the Dickens short story 'The Seven Poor Travellers', which was based on an actual visit by Dickens to Rochester, in which he A small parade starts at the Victoria and Bull Hotel (The Bull') and proceeds to the Six Poor Travellers House. The large crowds are partly explained by the fact that after a short reading real Christmas food is distributed 'to the poor'. Dickens' text is available on the internet from Project Gutenberg.
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One of the highlights of the Summer Dickens Festival is watching the competitions in the Castle Gardens, but even better is entering them!
visited the Six Poor Travellers' House on Christmas Eve, and felt compelled to do something to cheer up the life of the inmates.