Big crowds have flocked to the streets for the return of the Sweeps Festival, after the pandemic forced it to be cancelled for two years.

The event is celebrating its 40th anniversary and day one in Rochester is already well under way.

Sweeps Festival kicks off the bank holiday

Festivities at one of the largest May Day celebrations of its kind include live folk music entertainment, and well as witnessing one of the largest gatherings of Morris sides in the world.

It kicked off today with an official opening ceremony by the Mayor of Medway Councillor Jan Aldous outside the Guildhall Museum. This was followed by a dance showcase in the museum’s forecourt.

More than 40 Morris dancing sides from across the South East will perform across the bank holiday weekend, alongside other musicians and bands.

This year’s line-up in Rochester Castle gardens and surrounding areas includes French festival favourites Sur Les Docks, Kimber’s Men and The Quivering Poets.

Across the three-day extravaganza, there will be walking tours and folk instrument lessons. Children will be able to try their hand at the accordion, harp and fiddle at drop-in instrument sessions available every day.

Visitors can also browse the range of stalls in the castle grounds, which will be serving food, drinks and handmade gifts.

Medway Council has run the festival, alongside its founder, businessman Gordon Newton, since 1981.

It was revived by Mr Newton following his research into the Green Man, also known as the Jack in the Green, and is a symbol of the beginning of the British summer, which was welcomed by chimney sweeps and Morris dancers.

It was aimed at recreating joy and laughter enjoyed by chimney sweeps on their traditional holiday and was even mentioned by Charles Dickens.

Mr Newton said: "I founded the Rochester Sweeps Festival to celebrate English traditions associated with May Day and commemorate the climbing boys and their master sweeps accompanied by the Jack in the Green, throughout our nation’s history.

"I am delighted that during all these years the festival has gone from strength to strength through the support of Medway Council and the Morris teams that travel across the country to enjoy the day.

"I am particularly excited about this important anniversary and am looking forward to welcoming people to this weekend’s event which is known as ‘the friendly festival’ to enjoy the many events that we have on offer over the three days."

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for community services, said: “This year the Sweeps Festival will see bigger and better celebrations for residents and visitors to enjoy, including a variety of performances, a Jack-in-the-Green ceremony and a record fair.

"It is one of the biggest celebrations in Medway’s events calendar, putting us on the map as a leading tourist destination in the South East."

Sweeps Festival takes place from Saturday, April 30 to Monday, May 2 from 11am onwards. The event is free and no pre-booking is necessary, and you can find the full festival programme here.