Fagin, Bill Sykes and Bulls Eye the dog joined the crowds in Rochester yesterday for the Dickens Christmas Festival which had the best turnout in recent years.

More than 30,000 people visited the Town yesterday, with 150 coaches bringing people from all over the country as well as Europe.

The trio, along with other familiar Charles Dickens characters, return to the Town today to continue the festivities.

Operations manager Vern Sanderson said: "It's possibly the bests festival turnout we've had in recent years.

"Of course being that busy brings it own problems as well as success. We did have some minor problems with traffic and congestion and some issues with the park and ride."

Today, around 120 coaches are expected to bring people to the festival with one company bringing 23 coaches from France.

The Dickensian Christmas Festival is a celebration of Medway’s most famous resident and packs dozens of events over two days this weekend.

Parades take place along the High Street throughout the day, with dancing and other entertainment in between.

There are also walking tours of historic Rochester, and a Christmas market in the Castle Gardens.

For more photos pick up a copy of Monday's Medway Messenger.

Did you go to the festival? Let us know your thoughts by calling the newsroom on 01634 227821 or email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk