Rochester Sweeps Festival

2nd May - 4th May 2026

This vibrant three‑day spring festival attracting thousands with free performances, tradition, and community spirit!

Step into the historic streets of Rochester and experience one of England’s most colourful and lively spring traditions!

Every Early May Bank Holiday, the city bursts into a whirl of folk music, Morris dancing, parades, and the legendary Jack‑in‑the‑Green. It’s a joyful celebration that dates back centuries, when chimney sweeps marked May Day as their one day of freedom and festivity.

Image: Rochester Sweeps Festival

Sweeps Festival on YouTube

To get a feel for the festival, watch this short video from last year's Sweeps Festival.

Rochester Sweeps Festival Programme

Get ready to be immersed in unforgettable music and dance on the streets of Rochester, come alive with sound, vibrant colours and culture.

Download a copy of the Rochester Sweeps Festival programme here.

Please note: this PDF programme is not accessible. If you wish to obtain an accessible format, please contact us.

Travelling to the Sweeps Festival

Getting to Sweeps this year couldn’t be easier - use the free Park & Ride service; make the most of the government funded free bus weekend, or travel by train.

A Free Park & Ride service will operate during the Rochester Sweeps Festival from the University of Greenwich (Medway Campus) by Nu-Venture.

The first bus will depart at 09:40 and will run every 20 minutes until 17:40.

The last bus will depart Rochester at 18:45 on Saturday and Sunday and at 18:05 on the Monday.

Nu-Venutre
Leave the car behind and ride Medway buses for FREE on Saturday 2, Sunday 3 & Monday 4 May (right up to the last bus on Monday night).

All bus services included. Funded by the UK Government.

BUS TIMETABLES
Rochester rail station is located in the heart of historic Rochester, with Strood and Chatham stations also within walking distance. High-speed trains connect Rochester with both the coast and London stations, making travel convenient and accessible.

Use the live timetable widget below or visit the Southeastern website.

Southeastern trains

Coming by car or coach?

For a list of pay and display car parks in Rochester, visit the Medway Council's website.

As the event is popular and busy, a free Park & Ride service is available throughout the weekend.

Car Parks
Disabled parking for blue badge holders is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with additional bays provided on the Esplanade adjacent to the castle wall.

Please note: Blue Badge holders must register for free parking in ANPR car parks. For more details, visit the Medway Council's website.

Blue Badge Parking
Coach Parking Arrangements for Sweeps

Normal coach parking arrangements will apply for the Rochester Sweeps Festival taking place on 2, 3 and 4 May.

All passengers will need to be dropped off and collected from the four dedicated coach bays on Corporation Street (A2) behind the former Rochester Visitor Information Centre. Drivers, please adhere to the waiting restrictions to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Once drivers have dropped off their passengers, please proceed to park at Curtis Way Coach Park, located just off the A229 City Way.

Curtis Way Coach Park

Useful Information!

Sweeps Festival Programme (download). Please note this PDF is not accessible. If you wish to obtain an accessible format, please contact us.

Sweeps Festival Programme 2026 V2
Click here to learn more about the history of the Sweeps Festival.

The Roots of the Rochester Sweeps Festival
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out our accommodation pages.

Accommodation
Your four-legged friend is very welcome to join you, as long as she or he is kept on a lead. However, please note that the event does get very busy.