Characters from the pages of Charles Dickens’ books will come to life and parade through the streets this weekend for the 40th year running.

The annual Dickens Festival this year will mark the event’s 40th anniversary, with costumed parades, street acts, competitions and a fun fair.

With the High Street transformed into a Dickensian scene, parades will be held today and Sunday, with a grand parade, led by the Mayor of Medway, at noon and an afternoon parade at 4.45pm, followed by a music finale at 5pm.

The parade forms at the Star Hill end of the High Street and moves along, before making its way into Rochester Castle Gardens.

There are also an opportunity to parade yourself, with a Catwalk Competition at 2.30pm both days at La Providence, with the chance to win a prize presented by Dickens’ great-great grandson, Gerald Dickens. He will also perform in Dr Marigold, one of Dickens’ most popular readings, and answer questions in the Kings Head car park.

There will be a living history camp in the Castle Gardens where visitors can find out how Victorians took and processed photographs on glass and metal plates using antique cameras and try their hand at Victorian games such as snakes and ladders and hoopla. The gardens will also be home to a craft fair.

You will also be able to see the Lamplighter at La providence both days at 11.10am, 1.45pm and 3.30pm, and join a walking tour at the Visitor Information Centre at 10.45am and 2.15pm.

Younger visitors will be able to enjoy Punch and Judy shows in St Mary’s Meadow on both days at 11.15am, 1.15pm and 2.45pm.

Students from the University for the Creative Arts will perform elements of Dickens’ short story The Seven Poor Travellers in locations in Rochester and Chatham where some of the story is set. They will also be on hand to talk to visitors about their work while the story is brought to life by professional performers.

Cllr Howard Doe, from Medway Council, said: “Medway is very proud of its rich heritage and its association with Charles Dickens and I am very pleased that we’re celebrating the festival’s 40th anniversary this year. There’s plenty of activities to suit the whole family and we look forward to welcoming visitors to historic Rochester once again.”

THE HISTORY

The Dickens Festival was first organised by Rochester-upon-Medway City Council. After the creation of Medway Council in 1998, the authority continued organising the event which brings thousands to Rochester each year.

To mark the 40th anniversary this year, people who were at the first were asked to share their photos, and they are due to join an exhibition showcasing what has been on over the years, which will be on during the weekend.

DETAILS

The Dickens Festival will be held in and around Rochester on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3. For more details and a full programme of events go to medway.gov.uk/dickensfestival