The eagerly awaited return of a town's popular Christmas market and lights switch-on has been confirmed.

Dates for the Rochester Christmas Markets have been revealed and the Dickens Christmas Festival is also set to make a comeback this year.

Following cancellations due to Covid lockdown restrictions in 2020, the events will be back for 2021.

The markets will be held again in the Rochester Castle Gardens with stalls offering unusual stocking fillers, personalised gifts and mulled wine.

A Bavarian food village, funfair will be put out alongside live performances and fun for all the family promised.

They will take place over the weekends of November 27-28 (10am-6pm), December 3 (12pm-8pm), December 4-5 (10am-7pm), December 10 (12pm-8pm) and December 11-12 (10am-6pm).

The Dickens Christmas Festival will take place over the weekend of December 4-5 with a Victorian theme taking over Rochester High Street between 10am and 5.30pm on both days.

Familiar costumed characters from Dickensian novels will fill the street with entertainment and open-air carol concerts.

Dressing up is encouraged to get into the Christmas spirit with parades on both days at midday and 4.45pm.

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council deputy leader and cabinet member for community services, said: “Rochester Christmas Market and the Dickensian Christmas Festival are both highlights in Medway’s events calendar and we know they were greatly missed by residents, and visitors, last year.

"We are delighted that we will be able to help people get into the festive spirit this winter.

"Not only do these fantastic events support Medway’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025, they also support our Child-Friendly City aspirations.

"We want to ensure that residents and visitors feel safe and enjoy both the Christmas Market and Dickensian Christmas Festival and we will continue to keep a watchful eye on any government announcements, or changes to the guidance, regarding large-scale events.

"We look forwarding to welcoming thousands of residents and visitors to Medway this Christmas.”

The Christmas lights switch-on will be on November 27 from 3.45pm.

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