Dickensian
C
Rochester
2014
hristmas F e stival
6-7 December
www.enjoymedway.co.uk @enjoy_medway /enjoymedwayevents
Welcome to
Dickens Cou
elcome, weary traveller to the most agreeable of convenient situations amongst my most favoured indeed, particularly at this festive time of year. The haunts and resting places that inspire me so, have stood here long since and will stand longer than I, have no doubt.
Parades and
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My strong advice lends to a recommendation to mingle with my beloved creations and their friends during the Dickensian Christmas festival - Mr Pickwick, Mrs Pocket, and even those rogues, Right Royal Revels. It is difficult to enjoy their society without the accompanying laughter and good spirit but do keep a watchful eye for Fagin! Find comfort and warmth in our embracing hosts, good guests - fill your bellies with goose and pudding; and your head with song and cheer for these are the temptations of the festive season to which even the good Reverend turns his blind eye. So take cheer friends, I wish you a very merry Christmas, fore I wager a prosperous new year is ahead.
Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 December - 11am
Seven Poor Travellers’ Procession Led from outside The Guildhall Museum by The Right Royal Revels, the procession will move along the high street and conclude outside The Six Poor Travellers’ House, next to the Medway Visitor Information Centre, where a short speech will be made by Charles Dickens followed by the carving of the Christmas turkey.
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d carols
4.45pm
Candlelit Parade Led by the Mayor of Medway Cllr Barry Kemp, the parade will start in the high street by Almon Place. It will move along the high street and turn left at Northgate into Boley Hill to join the carol concert on the open-air stage.
12noon
Main Parade Led by the Mayor of Medway Cllr Barry Kemp, the parade of costumed characters will start in the high street by Almon Place. It will move along the high street, turn left into the Esplanade, continuing up Castle Hill before finishing on the Boley Hill Stage.
5pm
Carols for Christmas This year we welcome the Brompton Military Wives Choir to lead the magical concert. Join, BAE Systems Brass Band and all the festival performers in a selection of popular Christmas carols outside Rochester’s magnificent cathedral in, Boley Hill, under a guaranteed snow fall.
10am-7pm
Christmas craft fair Rochester Castle Gardens The City of Rochester Society presents stalls selling an array of high quality crafts and handmade goods.
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Festival highlights Brompton Military Wives Choir
Farmers’ market 10am - 7pm, King’s Head car park The Farmers’ market will run during the festival, offering festive treats from fresh local produce to seasonal cider and wine.
4pm, Boley Hill Stage Wives, girlfriends, mothers and daughters of military personnel meet every Tuesday and bring women closer together through singing. The choir will lead the Carol Concert each day at 5pm on the Boley Hill Stage.
Gillingham Lions’ tea tent 10am - 5pm, The Moat, Boley Hill Refreshments including hot and cold drinks and home-made cakes.
Reindeers 10.30am - 4.30pm, The Moat, Boley Hill See if you can spot Rudolph amongst Santa’s furry friends.
Festival library programme All activities will run both days of the festival unless otherwise stated. 11am - 4.30pm, Main library Kent Costume Trust Christmas Dickens exhibition In 1848 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were pictured with the Royal children, grouped around the first Christmas tree and surrounded by toys and presents. Thus the pattern was set for how Christmas festivities would be celebrated today. The Kent Costume Trust has a number of items that would not look out of place under that original Christmas tree.
11am; 12.30pm; 2.15pm; and 3.15pm Junior and Family Zone Make young eyes wide with wonder with Punch and Judy performances. 1.15pm and 3.30pm, Adult library Mr Pickwick and friends travel to Rochester from The Pickwick Papers. A reading by the Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship Mr Samuel Pickwick, chairman of the Pickwick Club and three fellow members depart from London on a journey of investigation into scientific and cultural matters. Their first stop is Rochester.
2 - 3.30pm, Saturday only, Adult library James Benmore talking about his book Dodger In this engaging and informative talk, James Benmore - author of Dodger and Dodger of the Dials - explores the appeal of young Artful; how Dickens created him and explains who the 25 year old author was in the year of Oliver Twist's publication.
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Roaming Characters The following characters can be spotted around the festival area, daily between 10am and 4.30pm. Many can also be seen in the festival parades.
Mrs Pocket - Janet Peters
Samuel Pickwick -
Wandering the streets with her invitation to tea with Miss Havisham.
Cyril Baldwin
Seven Dials Rapscallions
Fagin - Colin Greenslade
Meet this group of characters, living the down and dirty side of Victorian life.
Spot this loveable rogue, but beware he may pick a pocket or two!
Dickens with a twist, and slice of lime.
WKCollective from West Kent College
Estelle Havisham - Ruth Dye
Join the students in a Victorian shopping experience in Keeping up with the Victorians.
Right Royal Revels
Adopted and raised by Miss Havisham
MidKent College The Rochester Pickwick Club
Performing Arts students Meet some of the characters from Dickens’ most famous novels.
2pm, Guildhall Forecourt Come and have your photo taken with these gentlemen and enjoy their unique style of singing. .
Plus many, many more voluntary costumed friends who attend each year and participate in the festivities. All entertainment is free to watch. Entertainment taking place inside various venues may operate on a capacity basis. These performances will operate on a first come first served basis and therefore you are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the performance.
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At a glance
Your guide to the weekend’s entertainment
11am
From Guildhall Forecourt Six Poor Travellers’ Procession led by the Right Royal Revels
11am
Star Hill Stage
A Voice in a Million - Fiona Harrison
11am
Children’s library
Punch & Judy
11am
Blue Boar Lane area
City of Rochester Pipe Band
11am
Boley Hill area
Nancy & The Ragamuffins
11am
The Crown Stage
Camine
11.15am Eastgate Gardens
Dance Alley
11.20am La Providence
The Lamplighter
11.30am Star Hill Stage
Choir
11.30am The Crown Stage
Greg McDonald (Sun only)
11.40am The Crown Stage
Swinging the Lead (Sat only)
12pm
Main Parade
From Almon Place
12.30pm Children’s library
Punch & Judy
1pm
Star Hill Stage
A Voice in a Million - Fiona Harrison
1pm
The Crown Stage
The Fabulous Fezheads (Sun only)
1.15pm
The Crown Stage
Camine (Sat only)
1.15pm
Adult library
Dickens Fellowship reading Mr Pickwick and friends travel to Rochester
1.20pm
La Providence
The Right Royal Revels
1.30pm
Blue Boar Lane area
St Johns Ambulance Brass Band (Sat only)
1.30pm
Boley Hill Stage
BAE Systems Brass Band
1.30pm
Star Hill Stage
Three Towns Theatre Company
1.30pm
Guildhall Forecourt
Come and have your photo taken with Fagin
1.50pm
The Crown Stage
Skinner Rats (Sat only)
2pm
The Crown Stage
Camine (Sun only)
2pm
Star Hill Stage
Choir
2pm
Adult library
Author talk by James Benmore about his book Dodger (Sat only)
2pm
La Providence
The Lamplighter
2pm
Guildhall Forecourt
Pickwick Club photo opportunity and singing
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Activity takes place on both Saturday and Sunday unless otherwise stated.
2.15pm
Children’s library
Punch & Judy
2.20pm
Blue Boar Lane area
City of Rochester Pipe Band
2.30pm
Star Hill Stage
A Voice in a Million - Fiona Harrison
2.30pm
The Guildhall
The Silent Dickens: the novels and the early film industry
2.30pm
The Crown Stage
Swinging the Lead (Sat only)
2.30pm
The Crown Stage
Greg McDonald (Sun only)
2.40pm
Boley Hill area
Dance Alley
2.50pm
La Providence
The Right Royal Revels
3pm
Star Hill Stage
Three Towns Theatre Company
3.10pm
Blue Boar Lane area
St Johns Ambulance Brass Band (Sat only)
3.15pm
The Crown Stage
Skinner Rats (Sat only)
3.15pm
The Crown Stage
Maggoty & Pegwitch (Sun only)
3.15pm
Boley Hill Stage
BAE Systems Brass Band
3.15pm
Children’s library
Punch & Judy
3.30pm
Star Hill Stage
A Voice in a Million - Fiona Harrison
3.30pm
La Providence
The Lamplighter
3.30pm
Guildhall Forecourt
Come and have your photo taken with Fagin
3.30pm
The Guildhall
The Silent Dickens: the novels and early film industry
3.30pm
Adult library
Dickens Fellowship reading Mr Pickwick and friends travel to Rochester
3.45pm
The Crown Stage
Greg McDonald (Sun only)
3.50pm
Blue Boar Lane area
City of Rochester Pipe Band
4pm
Star Hill Stage
Three Towns Theatre Company
4pm
Boley Hill Stage
Carols by Brompton Military Wives Choir (Sun only)
4pm
The Crown Stage
Swinging the Lead (Sat only)
4.15pm
La Providence
Dance Alley
4.15pm
The Crown Stage
Maggoty & Pegwitch (Sun only)
4.30pm
Boley Hill Stage
Join Samuel Pickwick to warm up your voice ready to sing those festive jingles at the Carol Concert
4.45pm
From Almon Place
Candlelit Parade
5pm
Boley Hill Stage
Carol Concert
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Attractions to visit Eastgate House Eastgate House is a nationally significant Grade I listed building that was built around 1590. Thanks to an exciting Heritage Lottery Funded project, the building is being conserved and brought back to life for future generations to enjoy. Throughout its four hundred year history Eastgate House has been the town museum, a family home, and a Victorian boarding school for girls. It was in this guise that Dickens used the house as his inspiration for Miss Twinkleton’s Seminary for Young Ladies in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and as Westgate House in The Pickwick Papers. Come and visit the Victorian schoolroom at the house on Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16 November, and on Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 December as part of Rochester’s Dickensian Christmas. The schoolroom will be open from 11.30am - 4.30pm on each day and admission is free. Donations to the Friends of Eastgate House are welcome. Please note: At this time only the ground floor of the house is open to the public, and has a maximum of 40 visitors at any one time. For more information on the project visit www.visitmedway.org/eastgatehouse
The Six Poor Travellers’ House This Tudor almshouse, built in the 15th century, is still in use today. It is the inspiration for Dickens’ 1856 Christmas story The Seven Poor Travellers. This atmospheric house and the original travellers’ rooms are open to the public during the festival, courtesy of the residents of the almshouse. There is also a delightful Elizabethan herb garden in the courtyard. Opening times: 11am - 1pm and 2 - 4pm (closed during the processions).
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Charles Dickens’ writing chalet The Dickens Fellowship have raised funds to restore and conserve this important building in the gardens of Eastgate House and are currently working with Medway Council to take this project forward. You can find out more about the appeal at www.dickensfellowship.org/ rochester-chatham-branch The Swiss chalet from Gad’s Hill Place, Dickens’ last home, was a gift from a French actor friend, Charles Fecter, and arrived in 58 packing cases at Higham railway station. It was in this chalet that Dickens was writing the final chapter of The Mystery of Edwin Drood just before his death on 9 June, 1870. The chalet was purchased by the Dickens Fellowship in 1960 and presented to Rochester City Corporation. Because of its fragile condition, the chalet cannot be opened to the public but may be viewed from the outside.
Medway Visitor Information Centre Medway Visitor Information Centre in Rochester is the ideal first port of call for visitors to the area. Located in the heart of historic Rochester, it is wheelchair accessible and offers a full tourist information service, art gallery, public toilets and a café. Call into the centre to pick up information on local attractions, books, postcards and souvenirs. If you are looking for a place to stay, the staff can also offer advice and assistance with finding accommodation to suit your requirements and budget. Phone 01634 338141 Email visitor.centre@medway.gov.uk Web www.visitmedway.org
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Guildhall Museum The Guildhall Museum, which can be found at the river end of Rochester’s high street, is open from 10am to 5pm. Displays include local maritime history items and Charles Dickens memorabilia. Current exhibitions include Stories from the Great War, an evocative display looking at the parts played by Medway's people as they are caught up in the world's first truly global conflict. Admission to the museum is free. During the festivities the Friends of the Museum will be offering hot refreshments in the magnificent 17th Century Guildhall. 6 and 7 December, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
The Silent Dickens: the novels and the early film industry A fascinating presentation from Nick Walker of Rochester Kino, in partnership with the Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship. Illustrated with a selection of early film clips. Admission is free but a ticket must be obtained by pre-booking on 01634 332680 or by picking one up on the day from the Guildhall Museum.
Rochester Cathedral Rochester Cathedral service times Saturday, 6 December
Sunday, 7 December
8am
8am Holy Communion (BCP) – High Altar 9.45am Cathedral Eucharist 12noon Cathedral opens for entry to the carol service 12.30pm Carol service 1.30pm Organ practice for evensong 2pm Choir practice for evensong 3.15pm Choral evensong 5pm Cathedral closes
Morning Prayer with Holy Communion 12.30pm Carol service 1.30pm Organ practice for evensong 2pm Choir practice for evensong 3.15pm Choral evensong 5pm Cathedral closes
Due to necessary building works taking place in the Cathedral not all parts will be open to the public. Please bear with us during these important works and we apologise for any disappointment caused.
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Other Christmas events Sat 6 and Sun 7 Dec - 2.15pm
Sat 6 and Sun 7 Dec - 1.30pm
Walking tours of historic Rochester
Christmas Lunch
Led by guides from the City of Rochester Society, these tours start from the Visitor Information Centre and last about an hour and a half. Free of charge although donations to society funds are always welcome. Fri, 5 Dec - 7.30pm
The Mistletoe Ball Rochester Corn Exchange A great way to start the festive season with a three-course Christmas dinner and dancing to the Tony Ellingham Band. Tickets only £24.50/ person - seated at reserved tables - book yours today. For further details email dickens.events48@btinternet.com Sat 6 and Sun 7 Dec - 10am - 4pm
St Margaret’s’ Church This beautiful 15th Century church and tower will be open to visitors throughout the festival – climb the tower and enjoy its magnificent views of Rochester and the Medway Valley. Plus grab a bargain and some tasty goodies at any of the seasonal refreshments or traidcraft stalls.
The Rochester Corn Exchange, New for Dickensian Christmas 2014 Christmas carvery lunches. Within the beautiful Queens Hall, treat yourself to a two course hot Christmas lunch complete with seasonal accompaniments and table novelties. Full bar facilities plus tea and coffee available throughout your meal (at additional cost). Adults and children over 12 years: £15. Children 2-12 years: £7.50 (child’s portion). Babies and toddlers 0-2 years: FREE. All meals must be pre booked, phone 01634 338112. Sat 6 and Sun 7 Dec - 10am - 5pm
Humbug Theatre Company presents... Rochester Baptist Church A selection of Dickens’ plays, featuring some of his most beloved characters – including Scrooge and Miss Havisham. The Moat House is open for hot/cold drinks, sandwiches and jacket potatoes; the Side Hall (Institute building) will be providing light refreshments and market stalls will provide seasonal warmers of waffles and chestnuts.
Please note that these events are run by external organisations.
Performers BAE Systems Brass Band – soak up the atmosphere while the band plays festive music.
MidKent College – join in the jolly Christmas Carollers of Dickens and see how many characters you can spot around the festival.
Camine – Two young and demure twin ladies perform Victorian music using harp, violin and guitars, as well as charming voices.
Nancy and the Ragamuffins – Nancy and the children from the Kent Stage Academy, performing hits from Oliver.
City of Rochester Pipe Band – pipes and drums at their best. Watch them lead the procession each day.
Right Royal Revels – Dickens with a twist, and slice of lime!
City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra (CRSO) – accompanying Christmas lunch with music from the Victorian era.
Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship – entering readings from Dickens’ novels, suitable for all ages.
Colin Greenslade – Fagin.
17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band
Robert Styles – Punch & Judy.
Cyril Baldwin – Samuel Pickwick.
Shirley and Brian Goodhew – Organisers of the Seven Poor Travellers’ Procession.
Dance Alley – Performing Dickensian/Victorian dancing.
Skinner Rats – A couple of salty old sea dogs with some rumbustious songs and tunes.
Isle of Sheppey St John’s Ambulance Brass Band – Playing festive music in the high street.
Swinging the Lead – Dockyard shantymen rescued from the pubs of Chatham.
Janet Peters – Mrs Pocket.
The Fabulous Fezheads
Keith Beckford – lamplighter. Joyous music and song, but don’t bring your Maiden Aunt!
The Reindeer Hire Company Three Towns Theatre Company
Maggoty & Pegwitch – Watch your pockets when these two are around.
WKCollective from West Kent College – Keeping up with the Victorians.
Acknowledgements Medway Council would like to acknowledge the support from the following organisations, that help with the festival: Rochester Baptist Church Community Hub Rochester MidKent College City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
Rochester Cathedral City of Rochester Society Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship Gillingham Lions St Johns Ambulance (Kent) The Six Poor Travellers’ House
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NOV
DEC
DEC
5- 7
12-14
11am - 7pm (10am - 7pm on 6 and 7 Dec) Set in the picturesque Rochester Castle gardens, enjoy a hog roast, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts as you browse the stalls for unique gift ideas and unusual stocking fillers.
Experience the charms of Rochester
asmarket terchristm s e h c ro y.org/ a w d e m t i s i www.v
Supported by
nd his nemesis, Mr Charles Join Elijah Puddlephat and Dickens on a unique adventure enture back in tim time. Visit V isit some of Dickens’ most mo ost loved places and an see the inspiration behind some of his famous mast masterpieces. ions/child Tours ions/child. Tours run r every £10 adults, £7.50 concessions/child. Saturday, Sunday, 21 weekend from Satur day y, 15 November unti until Sunday December 2014. Buy your tickets at www.medwayticketslive.co.uk www.medwayticketslive.co.uk medwayticketslive w working orking in partnership partnership with
Christmas Carols Carol service on Boley Hill stage at 5pm following the Candlelit Procession
Silent Night
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray
Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace
Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care And take us to heaven To live with Thee there.
Silent night, holy night Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Saviour is born Christ, the Saviour is born
Hark The Herald Angels Sing Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled” Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem” Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”
Silent night, holy night Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Away In A Manger
Christ by highest heav’n adored Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a Virgin’s womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”
Away in a manger, No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing The baby awakes But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes I love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my side, 'Til morning is nigh
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Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings Ris’n with healing in His wings Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”
O Come All Ye Faithful
E’en so here below, below, Let steeple bells be swungen, And “Io, lo, lo!” By priest and people sungen. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
Pray you, dutifully prime Your matin chime, ye ringers; May you beautifully rime Your evetime song, ye singers. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
God of God, Light of Light, Lo! He abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Very God, Begotten, not created; O come let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
We Wish You a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all ye citizens of heaven above Glory to God in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
Chorus Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer
Yea Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, Jesu to Thee be Glory given, Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Chorus We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here Chorus We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Ding Dong Merrily on High Ding dong merrily on high, In heav’n the bells are ringing: Ding dong! Verily the sky Is riv’n with angels singing. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
To conclude with Jingle Bells We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Have a safe journey home. 15
G9208 Designed by Medway Council’s Communications Team. www.medway.gov.uk/communications
Crown Stage Guildhall Museum Farmers’ market The Corn Exchange/NCT St Mary’s Meadow (war memorial) Visitor Information Centre La Providence Crow Lane Eastgate House and gardens and Community Hub Rochester 10 Star Hill parade start/Star Hill Stage
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10am to 5pm The Princess Hall, Corn Exchange Medway National Childbirth Trust (NCT) will provide nappy changing facilities throughout the festival. Information on local groups, classes and general advice in Medway can be obtained from the NCT.
Baby changing and feeding
11 Rochester Castle Gardens/Craft Fair (Christmas market) 12 Boley Hill Stage 13 Castle Moat
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urch
Entertainment areas
To London and Civic Centre, Strood and Strood Station (five minutes walk)
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Ch ret’s arga St M
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Park and ride drop-off/pick-up point
Coach parking
Park and ride Dockside Outlet multi story car park, ME4 3ED Blue Bell Hill commuter car park off Lord Lees Grove, ME5 9PE Follow yellow directions signage. Buses start from 9am, last buses leave Rochester at 6pm.
Car and coach parking Limited car parking is available near the centre of Rochester. Public car parks are indicated on the festival map. Car parking is also available at the former Civic Centre site in Strood, throughout the festival.
Disabled parking
Car parking
Train Rochester station is only a five minute walk from Rochester high street and has excellent links between London and the coast. For more information visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Travel information
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First Aid point
Toilets