Enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of a Dickensian Christmas in Medway this weekend.

The two-day celebration of author Charles Dickens has been taking place every year since 1988, and sees Rochester come alive with a magical feast of Victorian delights.

In addition to shopping stalls lining the streets, there will be live music, and appearances from familiar characters from Dickens’ books.

The parades are always a highlight of the festival and they can be enjoyed on both Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8.

At 11am, the Seven Poor Travellers’ Procession leaves from the Guildhall along the High Street to the Six Poor Travellers’ House, where a short speech will be made by ‘Charles Dickens’ followed by the carving of the Christmas turkey.

The main parade is at noon each day when the mayor will lead all the costumed characters along the High Street from Almon Place down to the Esplanade, continuing up Castle Hill before finishing at Boley Hill.

The candlelit parades are at 4.45pm, starting in the High Street at its junction with Almon Place. It will move along and turn left at Northgate into Boley Hill, to the carol service on the open-air stage.

Carols for Christmas are at 5pm and visitors can join BAE Systems’ Brass Band and performers to sing carols outside magnificent Rochester Cathedral under a guaranteed snowfall.

For information visit www.rochesterdickensfestival.org.uk