Rochester boasts close links to Charles Dickens. He spent five years of his childhood there (1817-1822) and returned for 13 years at the end of his life (1856-1870).

Since 1978 Medway has held this annual celebration in honour of the Victorian author. In Great Expectations Rochester itself had a part to play as Restoration House in the town was Dickens' inspiration for Miss Havisham's Satis House.

Over the past 30 years, the Dickens Festival has grown and grown, just like the crowds in attendance. Now, Rochester returns to its Victorian glory, with parades through the town centre during the day, and the streets full of colour, costumes and entertainment.