Dickens-Inspired Market Held Following Festival Cancellation

A Christmas market with a Victorian theme took place in a Kent town, following the cancellation of one of the region’s most significant annual events. The Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival, originally scheduled for 7 and 8 December, was called off because of Storm Darragh. To assist local businesses, a substitute event was organized and held on the High Street on Saturday. According to Medway Council leader Vince Maple, the market held significance “not just for the businesses that are here 365 days of the year, but also for the community”. The market, which drew inspiration from Dickens, was organized in merely one week. Merchants were encouraged to establish outdoor stalls, and individuals journeyed to the town adorned in Victorian attire. Shane Waterman, vice chairman of the Rochester City Centre Forum and a member of the organizing team, stated: “You’ve got to do what you can do. This weekend is what we can do.” He added that Rochester possessed the ability to “pull rabbits out the hat and this is a pretty big rabbit and a big hat”. Tiny Tims of Rochester, a café situated in the town centre, incurred a loss of £6,000 in stock as a result of the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival’s cancellation. Owner Steve Morgan commented: “Last weekend was tough, but today is a bit better, people are coming into the High Street” He further noted: “We’re fully booked later on.” The town’s additional festive market had also been cancelled earlier in December because of a Met Office weather warning for strong winds, subsequently reopening the next weekend. Mr Maple explained that the choice to cancel was “looked at really carefully but safety was always going to be paramount”. For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.