COBBLED street packed with musicians, carol singers and comedians kept visitors smiling at the Dickensian Christmas event at Rochester at the weekend.

Thousands of local people and tourists turned out for the annual event. The festive proceedings started on Saturday morning with the traditional grand parade led by Mayor of Medway Cllr Susan Haydock.

A snow machine was the star attraction of the 16th annual festival, and as always Miss Havisham and Mr Picklock walked the busy historic streets.

Visitors were able to pick up some unique Christmas presents at the Dickensian market and antiques fair, held at the Casino rooms.

Newcomers to the festival were also able to take a step back in to the past with a tour from members of the City of Rochester Society.

A range of Dickensian food from thick broth to roasted hog was on offer to warm cold visitors at the two-day event.

The Dickens Centre re-opened especially for the festival, entertaining children with showings of A Muppets Christmas Carol and The Dickens Tale.

As the daylight faded, the festivities were drawn to close with a candlelit procession led by Cllr Susan Haydock, who arrived in Dickensian dress.

The parade was led to Boley Hill where keen singers joined in an open-air carol concert. The castle gardens also played host to a funfair in the evenings.

A steward said: "The festival is as busy as ever. It's great to see the streets so full with people enjoying themselves. The traditional formula for the festival continues to be a real success."

A short walk away, King's School held their annual Christmas fair at the Vines Hall.

Staff and students were on hand to offer visitors a glass of mulled wine as they looked around the traditional craft stalls and tried their luck at various games.