A new weekend-long festival dedicated to the 1920s will take place after being postponed last year – and there’s still time to get tickets.

The event, which was halted by the coronavirus pandemic, will be held from today (Friday) through to Sunday.

Organiser Swale council said Sittingbourne town centre will host a 20s themed celebration with entertainment, vintage vehicles, a fun fair, business offers and a community day in the High Street.

Cllr Richard Palmer, cabinet member for community at the council, said: “We have live music, dance shows, theatre shows and a murder mystery taking place in a large marquee that we’re putting up next to our council building in East Street.

“You will also find a circus act, magician, gangsters and molls on stilts, vintage cars and stalls along the High Street.

“The Mayor of Swale, Cllr Paul Stephen, will also be officially opening the Swale Media Arts Centre on Saturday morning.

“Tickets are selling, so I urge anyone wanting to attend to get theirs now to avoid disappointment.”

Cllr Mike Baldock, deputy leader at council, said the authority was pleased to be able to run the event after cancelling last year.

He added: “After a tough 18 months, we want local people and visitors to be able to enjoy the entertainment and get involved in the events we have on offer.”

There will be entertainment in The Marquee, a pop-up venue next to the council’s headquarters, Swale House.

The British Music Hall Society’s Dean Caston will produce an Old Tyme Music Hall on Friday, while Sue Caroline and The Andy Wall Ensemble will perform music from the 1920s featuring songs from ‘The Great American Songbook’ and other popular songs from the Great Gatsby era on the Saturday evening.

A murder mystery – Murder at the Manor – will then be performed and presented by The Company Upfront on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, there will also be a programme of free entertainment in The Marquee, including a performance by Micky the Magician.

Other events taking place over the weekend will include screenings of Charles Chaplin’s 1928 silent film The Circus at Swale Media Arts Centre on Friday and Saturday, and The Yellow Stocks micropub will be hosting a Roaring 20s evening with Miss Holiday Swing on Friday, and a 1920s Garden Party with Baileys Coffee Shop on Saturday.

To book tickets for any of the free or paid-for events, go to the Avenue Theatre in person, book online at avenuetheatre.co.uk or call 01795 471140.

For more information about the event, click here.

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