Events Calender

Dates of events and venues that we hope to attend in 2008 (in yellow boxes) and some that we probably wont be at but maybe you or others will.

28th September

Costermongers' Harvest Festival Parade London

A parade of a marching band, street traders ("Costermongers"),Pearly Kings and Queens and Victorian Characters from 1-3pm, starting at Guildhall Yard, Gresham Street EC2 London. This is followed by a harvest festival service at 3-4pm at St Mary Le Bow Church, Cheapside EC2.
A "harvest festival" is a thanksgiving ceremony, to give thanks after crops have been harvested successfully. It is a very old tradition. It usually takes place on a Sunday in September or early October. People collect food from their homes and take it to their churches or schools. The food is later given to poor or older members of the local community.

November T.B.C.

East of England Christmas Festival

Discover the magic of Christmas with beautiful gift and indulgent food ideas at this year's East of England Christmas Festival, at the East of England Showground in Peterborough.

Even bigger this year, the Christmas Festival presents the ultimate Christmas shopping experience, all under one roof for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 craft and gift stands, visitors to the Festival will have the perfect opportunity to make an early start on their Christmas shopping and find some fantastic ideas, from unusual children's stocking fillers to gifts for those 'difficult-to-buy-for' friends.

And if that's not enough, a Christmas Ideas Demonstration Area will feature inspirational demonstrations from experts on a range of topics, including Wrapping the Perfect Present and Festive Floral Arrangements.

An exquisite Food Hall bursting with heavenly delights will provide everything for all your Christmas entertaining imaginable. From decadent Belgian chocolates to home made Christmas cakes and potent mixtures of mulled wine, you are guaranteed to find something to take home and enjoy with friends and family over the festive period. But if you can't wait, there is plenty of opportunity to 'grab a bite' from a variety of eateries and take a relaxing break in the Festive Food Court.

Our younger visitors, including the young hearted will especially enjoy meeting Father Christmas in his Winter Wonderland where children will also be able to write a letter to Santa and ensure they get their wish lists in early. Festive fun continues with a host of seasonal attractions including a Victorian Funfair and Steam Gallopers, incorporating lots of music and sing-a-long Carol Concerts.

http://www.showground.org.uk

29-30 November T.B.C.

Victorian Festival of Christmas

Venue: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

With its snow-covered street, seasonal carols, Father Christmas, Christmas shopping and cast of Victorian characters, this hugely popular event is a delightful trip to Christmas past for all the family.

Wander through the European-style shopping village, Victorian Street, Georgian colonnades and discover superb quality gifts, fine crafts, festive food and drink at the biggest Christmas market on the South Coast.

Step back 150 years to celebrate Christmas with a cast of hundreds. Meet a host of colourful Victorian characters such as Scrooge, Mr Bumble and Queen Victoria herself and join in with the new and novel bawdy music hall of Fagin’s Tavern.

Children will laugh at the traditional street and fairground entertainments and music lovers will delight in traditional Christmas carols and marching bands.

http://www.christmasfestival.co.uk:80/

6-7 December

Dickensian Christmas, Rochester

A Christmas experience in the heart of the land of Dickens. In addition to the street entertainment, musicians and costumed characters perform around the festival area. Parades and processions and magical stalls offering a huge range of Christmas fare. The day is completed with a Carol Concert outside Rochester's magnificent Cathedral.

Among the highlights of this weekend's festival are a grand parade through the town at 1200 GMT on both days and a candlelit parade each day at 1645 GMT.

A carol concert takes place at Boley Hill at 1700 GMT each day, while children can visit Father Christmas in Rochester Castle Gardens throughout Saturday and Sunday.

The council is advising people to use public transport as it expects many visitors to the town, but a park and ride scheme has also been set up.

http://www.medway.gov.uk/

December T.B.C.

2008 Victorian Weekend Whitby

Venue: Robin Hoods Bay
The Dock (lower bay)
Robin Hoods Bay
WHITBY

The fourteenth annual Victorian Weekend including indoor and outdoor entertainment, concerts, demonstrations, exhibitions, guided walks, christmas decorations, carol singing and much more. Visitors are invited to join Robin Hood's Bay Tourism Association in the festivities in Victorian costume.

http://www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com

December T.B.C.

Victorian Christmas at Milestones Hampshire's Living History Museum

Basingstoke

11 am - 4pm

Meet Santa Claus and his elf
Join us for an audience with Queen Victoria
Browse for something special at our Christmas market
Make your own Christmas decorations with Ballyhoo

http://www.milestones-museum.com/

December T.B.C.

Victorian Experience Special Family Event with Father Christmas

Venue: Royal Gunpowder Mills
Waltham Abbey, Essex
01992 707370

The Royal Gunpowder Mills has pleasure in inviting you to join us to experience a Victorian Christmas.

Each child will be able to take part in art, crafts and games of the period, take a Land Train ride around Queen Meads and visit Santa to receive a gift.

Participate in Victorian games, learn about Victorian food and gifts, meet Colonel Brackenbury and his family as they celebrate.

http://www.royalgunpowdermills.com/

June

Broadstairs' 71st Dickens Festival. Broadstairs

celebrating the life, works and times of Charles Dickens. Events include concerts, music hall, plays/melodramas, Victorian Cricket Match, Victorian Bathing Party and much more. Further details +44(0)1843 861827

http://www.stella-maris.org.uk/

http://www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk/