D ickensD ickensD ickensSat, 1 & sun, 2 june 2019

festivalfestivalfestival

• victorian entertainment • Street theatre •

• Talks and readings • Craft fair & stalls •

• Traditional funfair • PARADES •

• Talks and readings • Craft fair & stalls •

• Traditional funfair • PARADES •

Enjoy Medwaymedway.gov.uk/dickensfestival

Festival highlightsParadeJoin us for the spectacular parade of Dickensian characters and Victorian costumes led by the Mayor of Medway.

2pm, Almon place to Boley Hill Stage

Pretending PeopleAn American country singer lands in Rochester looking for inspiration and fi nds himself entangled in an immersive story telling experience that highlights Rochester’s Dickensian features.

Guildhall Forecourt

Dutch Choir - AGK Puur SanghFounded in 1966 and made up of 75 enthusiastic signers from Asten and surroundings in the southeast of The Netherlands, directed by Ad Vergouwen.

Blue Boar Performing Area (Sat only)

Play On Words – Oliver TwistFrom Play On Words Theatre Company. Exerts from Oliver Twist at a whirlwind pace and full of fun performed by an award-winning Medway based theatre company. You’ll be left wanting MORE.

Opposite Crow Lane

Gerald Dickens - Q&AHave you got a burning questions for Charles Dickens’ Great Great Grandson? Or have you always wondered how Charles himself would have been back in the day? Any questions you have, big or small, Gerald Dickens himself will be here to answer.

Guildhall Chamber

Reading of Nicholas NicklebyTravelling with Nicholas across the country we meet some of Charles Dickens’ greatest characters. Nicholas Nickleby shows Charles Dickens off at his theatrical best.

Guildhall Chamber

Meetin’ BeetonCome and meet the original domestic goddess – Mrs Beeton – the Victorian expert on etiquette, household management, cookery and the art of entertainment.

Miss Twinkleton’s

Children - make sure you collect a silver spoon and a stamp from Mrs Beeton to gain free entry* to Eastgate House. Come and join in the silver spoon trail and explore. *Free entry for up to three children with each paying adult.

Park and WALKFrom Jacksons Field - £3 per vehicle

Kaleidoscope 10am-5pm Castle GardensKent Costume Trust 10am-5pm Princes Hall, Corn ExchangeCraft fair 10am-5pm Castle moatAlternate Shadows 10am La ProvidenceWas Charles Dickens 10am The Masonic Temple A Freemason? (Sat only)City of Rochester Pipe Band 10.30am Oliver’s Wine BarPretending People 10.30am Guildhall ForecourtRochester Cathedral bell ringers 10.45am St. Mary’s MeadowDance Alley (Sat only) 11am Blue Boar Performance AreaThree Towns (Sun only) 11am Blue Boar Performance AreaPlay On Words – Oliver Twist 11am Opposite Crow LaneThe Lamplighter 11am La ProvidenceWas Charles Dickens 11am The Masonic Temple A Freemason? (Sat only)BAE Systems 11.15am Boley Hill StagePunch and Judy 11.15am Guildhall ForecourtAlternate Shadows 11.30am La ProvidenceMeetin’ Beeton 11.30am Miss Twinkleton’sCity of Rochester Pipe Band 11.45am Blue Boar Performance AreaMusic workshop 11.45am Guildhall ForecourtDickens Fellowship reading 12noon Rochester LibraryGerald Dickens readings 12noon Guildhall ChamberCatwalk competition (Sun only) 12noon La ProvidenceWas Charles Dickens 12noon The Masonic Temple A Freemason? (Sat only)Dr Pete Orford - talks Drood 12noon The Halpern (Sat only) Conservancy Board BuildingPauline Quirke Academy (Sat only) 12.15pm Boley Hill StageDance Alley (Sun only) 12.15pm Boley Hill StageRochester Cathedral bell ringers 12.30pm St. Mary’s MeadowDutch Choir (Sat only) 12.30pm Blue Boar Performance AreaThree Towns (Sun only) 12.30pm Blue Boar Performance AreaPunch and Judy 12.30pm Guildhall ForecourtPlay On Words – Oliver Twist 1pm Opposite Crow Lane

The Lamplighter 1pm La ProvidenceBAE Systems 1pm Boley Hill StageFagin photo opportunity 1pm St Mary’s MeadowWas Charles Dickens 1pm The Masonic Temple A Freemason? (Sat only)Cracking the Crinoline 1.15pm Blue Boar Performance AreaPretending People 1.15pm Guildhall ForecourtMeetin’ Beeton 1.30pm Miss Twinkleton’sParade 2pm Almon place to Boley Hill stageWas Charles Dickens 2pm The Masonic Temple A Freemason? (Sat only) Play On Words - Oliver Twist 2.30pm Opposite Crow LaneRochester Cathedral bell ringers 2.45pm St. Mary’s MeadowDutch Choir (Sat only) 2.45pm Blue Boar Performance AreaThree Towns (Sun only) 2.45pm Blue Boar Performance AreaAlternate Shadows 2.45pm La ProvidenceCosson’s Music Hall Finale 2.45pm Boley Hill StagePunch and Judy 2.45pm Guildhall ForecourtDickens Fellowship reading 3pm Rochester LibraryMeetin’ Beeton 3pm Miss Twinkleton’sWas Charles Dickens 3pm The Masonic Temple A Freemason? (Sat only)Pauline Quirke Academy (Sat only) 3.15pm Boley Hill StageDance Alley (Sun only) 3.15pm Boley Hill StageDickens Memorial Service (Sun only) 3.15pm Rochester CathedralMusic workshop 3.15pm Guildhall ForecourtCracking the Crinoline 3.30pm Blue Boar Performance AreaThe Lamplighter 3.30pm La ProvidenceFagin photo opportunity 3.30pm St. Mary’s MeadowGerald Dickens – Q&A 3.45pm Guildhall ChamberPlay On Words – Oliver Twist 4pm Opposite Crow LaneBAE Systems 4pm Boley Hill StageRochester Cathedral bell ringers 4.30pm St. Mary’s MeadowCity of Rochester Pipe Band 4.30pm Oliver’s Wine BarDance Alley 4.30pm Blue Boar Performance AreaAlternate Shadows 4.30pm La ProvidencePretending People 4.30pm Guildhall ForecourtCosson’s Music Hall Finale 5pm Boley Hill Stage

entertainment scheduleEntertainment is on both days unless stated otherwise

At time of print this schedule is correct. For more information: medway.gov.uk/dickensfestival

ROCHESTERTHE CORNEXCHANGE

GUILDHALL MUSEUM

H I G H S T R E E T

CrowLane

Corporation Street

North

gate

Blue B

oar L

ane

AlmonPl ac e

RESTORATION HOUSE

CATHEDRAL

The Vines

VISITOR

INFORMATION

CENTRE SIX POORTRAVELLERS HOUSE

EASTGATE HOUSE

The Esplanade

St Margaret’s ChurchEsplanadeGardens

RIVERMEDWAY

Start of Parade

To Strood Station (5 mins walk)

Funfair

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY HUBAND MEDWAY

ADULT EDUCATION

There’s so much more going on: www.medway.gov.uk/dickensfestival

Rochester Dickens Festival Baby changing and feeding, NCT

Toilets, all have disabled facilities

First Aid point

Baptist Church

TheMoat

Kaleidoscope

Multi-storey Car Park

Boley HillStage

Rochester Station

Park and walk

P&W

Boley Hill

Vines Lane

Gas House Road

St Margaret’s Street

Castle Hill

P&W

MISSTWINKLETON’S

Blue BoarPerformance

AreaPerformance

THE MASONIC

TEMPLE

THE HALPERN

CONSERVANCY

BOARD BUILDING

CASTLE

performances & activitiesAlternate ShadowsGeorge has invented a time machine but something’s gone wrong - bubbles are appearing.

BAE SystemsWill be playing your brass band favourites.

Catwalk CompetitionShow off your true Dickensian style on our catwalk. The competition will be judged by Young Queen Victoria and Mr Pickwick and winners will receive an award. Pre-register at the Events information stand on Saturday and up until 11.30am on the Sunday. Places are limited. There are four categories: Best Dressed Woman, Best Dressed Man, Under 16 and Best Dressed Character.

City of Rochester Pipe BandBagpipes at their very best.

CITY WALL STAGE:Skinners RatsA couple of salty old sea dogs with some rumbustuous songs and tunes.

Fire and IceDockyard shantymen rescued from the pubs of Chatham.

FiddlefitFrom the hulks of Gravesend, these two musicians are used to entertaining the more colourful characters of society.

Cosson’s music hall finaleA good ol’ knees up with music hall favourites get you singing along and having a great time, Victorian style.

Cracking the Crinoline Join us for a surprising, uplifting performance that reminds us all that older women, of any era, should NOT be taken for granted.

Craft FairTraditional fair selling all types of wares: knitted children’s clothes, jewellery, china, preserves and home-made fudge.

Castle Moat

Dance AlleyPerforming dances depicting the more affl uent side of Dickensian life.

Camera ObscuraStep inside the Camera Obscura to see magic of moving pictures in full and glorious colour: view the whole panorama of the gardens, control the actions of your fellow visitors.

The Insect Circus MuseumHoused in a vintage Bedford TK beetlebox lorry, this unique museum displays a stunning array of costumes, props, puppets, toys and ephemera from the extraordinary collection of the Insect Circus Society. Spanning more than three centuries, and covering many continents, this is undeniably the fi nest museum of its kind in the world.

Great Kentspectations Come and discover more about the mad world of Steampunk. Marvel at spectacular outfi ts, mind boggling collections and artifacts and try your hand at Familiar Flinging and Tea Duelling.

Kaliedoscope

Mr Alexander’s Travelling ShowMagic, juggling, unicycling, balance and illusion all combine in a spectacular and enthralling entertainment for all ages.

Steampunk StyleCome and create costume pieces and other accessories and give yourself a truly Dickensian disposition. Free - no need to book, just come and join in the fun. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Taking place in the Castle Gardens

For times and locations please see the entertainment schedule.

knitted children’s clothes, jewellery, china, preserves and home-made fudge.

Dance AlleyPerforming dances depicting the more affl uent side of Dickensian life.

Dickens Fellowship ReadingThe reading will be David Copperfi eld walks to Dover.

Dizzy o’dare – Phileas Fogg day 79Join Phileas Fogg and his valet

Passepartout as they roam around and attempt to circumnavigate the world in just 80 days.

Eastgate HouseEdwin Drood exhibition at

Eastgate House. Entry fees to house apply.

FaginThe crafty and

mischievous Fagin (played by John Endicott) will be roaming the streets – look out for him!

Was Charles Dickens A Freemason?A short illustrated presentation followed by a guided tour of the Masonic Temple.

Kent Costume Trust A display of costumes and crafts from Dickensian times with an opportunity for children to dress up.

PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMYPerforming songs from Oliver.

DR Pete OrfordBe guided by the Director of the MA in Dickens Studies through the weird and wonderful world of Dickens’ novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Punch & JudyTraditional fun for toddlers (and parents).

Rochester Cathedral Bell RingersCome and have-a-go at bell ringing in the shadow of the Cathedral bell tower, and fi nd out about the Centenary Project.

Three TownsSinging old music hall favourites.

The LamplighterVictorian anecdotes from a Lamplighter.

Young Queen VictoriaHer Royal Highness will be roaming throughout the weekend – and judging the catwalk competition along with Mr Pickwick on Sunday.

Saturday, 1 June9am-9.30am Holy Communion

Service 10am-4pm Thy Kingdom

Come Exhibition 10.30am-1.30pm Dickens spotlight

and walk-in tours 3.15pm Choral Evensong

Sunday, 2 June9.45am-10.15am Choral Mattins 10am-4pm Thy Kingdom

Come Exhibition 10.30am-11.45am Cathedral Eucharist 12noon-1.30pm Dickens spotlight

and walk-in tours 3.15pm-4.15pm Dickens memorial

service

Rochester Cathedral

Join Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout as they roam

around and attempt to circumnavigate the world in just 80 days.

Eastgate HouseEdwin Drood exhibition at

Eastgate House. Entry fees to house apply.

FaginThe crafty and

mischievous Fagin (played by John Endicott) will be roaming the streets – look out for him!

Something old, something new15 June to 29 SeptemberAn exhibition on the history of marriage and wedding traditions throughout the centuries. Eastgate House, entry fees to house apply.

Dickens one fifty10 to 14 June, 2020A festival of events celebrating the life of one of England’s fi nest novelists.

dickens Festival Public ForumMonday, 24 June, 7pmThe Corn Exchange, Rochester

medway.gov.uk/bigrideFind us at Enjoy Medway

ROCHESTER SUN, 21 JULY

Elite women’s race: 5-5.45pmElite men’s race: 6.30-7.30pm

Watch the UK’s top professional riders going head-to-head in a fast and furious race on a looping course around the streets of historic Rochester

CIRCUIT

Cycling fun for the

whole family at

Rochester Castle

PLUSFrom 12noon

CastleCONCERTS

#castleconcerts

Box office: 01634 338 338thecastleconcerts.co.uk

WEDNESDAY,

10 JULYIN ROCHESTER CASTLE GARDENS

castle concerts presents

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS AND

In association with Coda

castle concerts presents

THURSDAY, 11 JULYIN ROCHESTER CASTLE GARDENS

NINA NESBITTPLUS SPECIAL GUEST

THURSDAY, THURSDAY, 11 JULY11 JULYIN ROCHESTER CASTLE GARDENS

SOLD OUT

In association with Coda

THE PROMSWith special guests

SATURDAY, 13 JULYIN ROCHESTER CASTLE GARDENS

Performing a selection of iconic James Bond movie themes as well as all the classical favourites for our traditional Proms finale

Collabro Laura Wright

Featuring Rock ChoirConducted by Michael Reed

Interval entertainment provided byNChant (The Rochester Grammar School)

Best Of My Love River Deep Mountain High Ain’t No Stopping Us Now Beat It

I Feel Good Three Times a Lady

Ain’t Nobody Knock On Wood

Midnight Hour You’re My First My Everything

Ain’t Nobody Knock On Wood

Midnight Hour You’re My First My Last My Everything

Respect Ain’t Nobody Respect Ain’t Nobody

castle concerts presents

FRIDAY, 12 JULYIN ROCHESTER CASTLE GARDENS

HEATHER SMALL ODYSSEY GEORGE

MCCRAE

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS