An extra special programme of family fun has been organised for this year’s Broadstairs Dickens Festival.

It is the 75th anniversary of the event, which started in 1937 to commemorate the centenary of author Charles Dickens’ first visit to the town.

Gladys Waterer, then resident of Dickens House – now converted into the Dickens Museum Broadstairs – conceived the idea of putting on a production of David Copperfield and having people about the town in Victorian dress to publicise it and the festival has been held annually ever since.

This year it starts on Saturday, June 15 and runs until Friday, June 21, with a packed programme.

The fun starts at 2.30pm on Saturday, when Queen Victoria and her entourage will travel in a horse-drawn carriage through the town from the Pierremont War Memorial to Victoria Gardens, where an opening ceremony will take place at 3pm.

A country fair will take place in Victoria Gardens every day from 10am to 5pm, with free admission.

There will also be a variety of fancy dress competitions, live music, talks and other activities throughout the week.

Call 01843 861827 or visit www.broadstairs dickensfestival.co.uk for more information.