Author Charles Dickens has become part of the fabric of Kent’s history, with the writer having lived in and visited several destinations in the county.

The Victorian novelist is well-known for his time in the Medway towns, but it’s his time on the Thanet coast that is being celebrated with a three-day festival this summer.

The Broadstairs Dickens Festival has been running since 1937 and is a nod to Dickens’ many summers spent at the seaside town.

The Great Expectations author would often holiday in Fort House, also known as Bleak House, overlooking Viking Bay, and it is believed that the location inspired his 1850 book David Copperfield.

The property is now the Dickens House Museum and displays many items, such as Dickens’ writing box, mahogany sideboard and letters he wrote about his time on the coast, as well as Victorian clothing and artwork.

The festival, now in its 88th year, started on the 100th anniversary of the novelist’s first visit to Broadstairs and features three days of Dickensian-themed events and activities.

It all starts with live music on the bandstand, costumed characters, a beach party and the opening night of the Mystery of Edwin Drood, inspired by the unfinished novel of the same name, at the Sarah Thorne Theatre.

The festival then continues across the weekend with a Victorian parade from Pierremont, a traditional fete in Bleak House Gardens, novelty acts and food stalls in Victoria Gardens and a Barrie Wootton exhibition at Holy Trinity Church.

There will also be children’s entertainment, choirs, live musicians and church services.

The festival takes place from Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15. It’s all free to attend, except the play at the Sarah Thorne Theatre which is a ticketed show.