by Kaynat Choudhury

It’s that time of year again when the streets of Rochester turn the clock back to celebrate their most famous resident, Charles Dickens.

The author lived in Medway for almost 20 years, absorbing the architecture, characters and colour and this year to mark his bicentenary, Rochester Dickens Festival is promising to be the best yet.

The annual celebration of all things Dickensian and Victorian runs this weekend, with each day distinctly themed to celebrate the author’s love of Medway. Today focuses on the grand pageant and tomorrow is commemorative day.

Thousands of visitors travel from across the county to be a part of the festival, many in Victorian-themed costume.

Like previous years, the Dickens Festival aims to provide family fun and a chance to learn about Rochester through the eyes of Dickens.

Children’s day focuses on activities such as gurning (where kids can pull whatever face they want), a dressing-up competition, a workhouse tea party and interactive sessions allowing youngsters to live life as a wealthy Victorian child complete with a butler, cook and housemaids. The evening will end at the Corn Exchange with a grand circus show featuring wire walkers and trapeze artists.

Today's highlight is a grand pageant brimming with characters from many of Dickens’ novels, including Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and David Copperfield. This type of show has never been done before in any of Rochester’s Dickens festivals.

“It’s something new and different to celebrate 200 years of Dickens,” said Ashley Davis, pageant master.

Saturday, June 9 – Grand Pageant Day

Grand pageant starts at 1.30pm from Rochester Castle.

An Evening with Gerald Dickens from 7.30pm, Corn Exchange. Tickets £18. For more information, 01634 338338 orwww.medwayticketslive.co.uk

Sunday, June 10 – Commemorative Day

The grand parade starts at 1.30pm from Rochester station. More details at www.rochester dickensfestival.org.uk orwww.medway.gov.uk