European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - June 13, 1986, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Magazine Al a recent of Iceni festival in Rochester England townspeople die itch As character from the author t Norett. The Vittorio Era Ivill come alive again in another Dick tons festival Jane 14-21, in Broadstairs a Seaside town Louth of London in Kent. A festival with a novel approach Story and photos by j. King Cruger . Bureau w Eckford queers was there along with Smike and Nicolas Nickleby. Olive twist Fagin and the artful Dodge made it Loo in the unlikely company Oliss Halsham. Pip Peggotty Ham and i. Micawber. Even that unctuous and Slimy miscreant Uriah Heep made the scene. The occasion was the annual Dickens festival at Rochester South of London on the Medway River. The four Day festival that thronged 1he town Wilh visitors ended on june 1. Those who missed in will have another Chance to step Back into victorian times Al another Dickens festival Laking place june 14 -21 m the English resort of Broadstairs. Although Dickens was born in Portsmouth England and London crops up cons ally in the novelist s work in is Dill cult 1o realize thai Lor Long periods of his life he was hardly Ever in these places. He spent mos of his years in and around the adjoining Medway towns of Rochester and Chatham there he roamed Iho desolate marshes and set a i least Par is of his novels. The Pickwick papers Giest expect ions. And i he unfinished the mystery of Edwin Drood in the locale. Broadstairs a popular Seaside Lown located South of London in Kent is where Dickens had his summer Homo. On the town s Breezy Heights he scribbled away on David Copper Tieland planned Bleak House Dickens House museum on Victoria Parade is a fascinating treasure trove Lor any Dickens Buff a healthy rivalry exists Between Rochester and broads aids and their rival Dickens festivals but the celebrations Are not All that alike. In Rochester 1he townspeople dress As characters from Dickens or simply in costumes evocative of his Era. In contrast the organizers at Broadstairs outfit several Hundred people in carefully chosen Cost mos in order that they will most resemble the characters they pro Alray the festival at Broadstairs. Which Alli acts thousand1 of visitors during its annual run. Will Start off with All the costumed dickensian assembling at 2 . On june 14 at Pierremont before walking through the town to its Victoria gardens where he festival will Oll scially open the Best Chance or taking photos will be on i hat Day and visitors will Lind the costumed characters cheerfully willing 10 wait patiently while their photos Are Laken. Other events during the lest Iva will include a victorian Village Cricket Malch at 2 30 . On Juno 15 in Victoria gardens performances nearly every night at 7 30 a1 the Pavilion of the play Nicholas it comeby. Victorian bathing parties in Viking Bay Al 11 . On Juna 19 and 20 and a conducted walk around old Broadstairs Starling Al 11 . On june 21. The final Day of rite festival. For More information regarding the festival Call the festival s Headquarters at thanel ob43 62053. Friday june 13, 1986 the stars and stripes Page 13