1 week Ago By [email protected] (Sam Lawrie)
Hundreds of Morris dancers are set to line the streets for a traditional folk festival. Sweeps Festival returns to Rochester this May bank holiday weekend for three days of dancing, live music and workshops. The event has been a staple of the historic town for more than 40 years and sees a packed programme of free entertainment pop up over the long weekend.
The annual May Day celebration is a symbol of the beginning of the British summer and is designed to recreate the joy and laughter that chimney sweeps enjoyed on their holiday. In Victorian times, chimney sweeps were only given one day off each year, on May 1, during which the workers would sing and dance in town to celebrate their freedom. The festivities kick off on Saturday, May 3 with one of the largest gatherings of Morris dancers in the country who will perform along the high street.
Across the weekend, crowds can enjoy international folk music and dance, children’s entertainment, character parades, workshops, and a traditional procession that takes place on the bank holiday Monday. There will also be food and drink traders and gift stalls dotted along the streets, as well as the grounds of Rochester Castle. Many of the town’s pubs will also host live musicians and bands and there will be stages in the castle grounds and town centre.
Rochester Sweeps Festival takes place from Saturday, May 3 to Monday, Saturday 5. It’s free and you don’t need a ticket to attend..
