Dickens Festival 2013

It may be in its 35th year, but when it comes to Rochester’s Dickens Festival thousands cry out for more.

Costumed revellers turned out in force over the weekend for this year’s extravaganza which saw the town awash with colourful characters and cheeky entertainers.

The usual suspects, Bill Sikes, Miss Havisham and Fagin mingled with the crowds to everyone’s delight.

Among those enjoying the spectacle was American businesswoman Jeneene Bremgelman, a Dickens enthusiast who was enjoying her 20th trip to the festival.

Children were kept entertained in the Castle Gardens where there was a fun fair, Punch and Judy and a game of skittles with the normally grumpy Scrooge.

Verne Sanderson, festival operations manager, said there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the three days. Mr Sanderson said : “The weather is of paramount im- portance at any outdoor event,so the sunshine making an appearance yesterday (Sunday) made all the difference.

“Like every year we have tried to introduce some newish element to keep it fresh for visitors who return year after year.

“The dual between Sir Peter Digby and Count Chevalier returned after an absence of six years and proved very popular.

“We also tried to introduce more light-hearted street entertainers, like policemen on stilts and a group of beer-swilling vagabonds.”

Mr Sanderson estimated that by the end about 60,000 people would have visited the festival and that included 65 to 70 coachloads.

• More pictures in the Medway Messenger today (Monday) and Friday.