This year marks 150 years since the death of Charles Dickens. Celebrate his life and works in Kent and learn about the very place that inspired his novels.
Our little corner of the UK can be found within some of the world’s greatest works of art and literature, and (if we do say so ourselves) with our beautiful landscapes and fascinating history, it’s not hard to see why. One of Kent’s biggest fans, Charles Dickens, died 150 years ago, and this year we're celebrating his life!
While many events have been put on hold for now, there are still plenty of exciting virtual ways to celebrate the great author's life. From quizzes, to virtual tours and previews of exclusive new plays, take a look at how we're celebrating the life of one of Britain's greatest writers.
The Empty Chair in Lockdown
Friday 12th June
Launching this Friday, the Empty Chair in Lockdown podcast will be featuring some of the modern voices of Medway and further afield, as they take inspiration from Dickens’ works to create their own poems and stories about the writer’s life.
Let’s get quizzical
Our Dickens was a knowledgeable man, so now it’s time to put your knowledge of him to the test! With five quizzes hosted on the Visit Medway social channels, we can guarantee you and your lockdown quiz team will know your Great Expectations from your Bleak House by the end of the week. So grab a cup of tea and start getting inquisitive!
The virtual Blue Plaque Tour
Wednesday 10th June
Rochester featured in many of Dickens’ great works, so the 150th anniversary of his death seems like the perfect time to take a virtual tour of the very streets that inspired the great author. Watch the short film and follow in the great novelist’s footsteps.
The Reading Drood Project
Learn all about Dickens’ famously unfinished novel, the Mystery of Edwin Drood in Visit Medway’s (virtual) book club. Get lost in the pages of the masterpiece that uses our very own Rochester as its backdrop, before joining in the discussions online. Can you solve the great mystery of Drood?
Dickens’ Dream
While it may be a little while before we’re able to take a visit to the theatre, the Dickens Theatre Company are giving us a taste of the theatrical with a mini preview of their very own original play, Dickens’ Dream. With performances planned for later in the year at Gad’s Hill, Dickens’ home in Gravesham, we’ve got great expectations for this one!
Hometown glory
With Dickens’ beloved home resting in Higham, it’s safe to say Visit Gravesend has got plenty of plans for celebrating the author’s life in style later this year. For performances, interactive tours and even a visit to Dickens’ home, be sure to keep an eye on their website, as a little birdy tells us dates will be released very soon!
Ashford & Tenterden Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable Dover, Deal & Sandwich Faversham, Isle of Sheppey and Sittingbourne Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh Gravesend & Dartford Maidstone Margate, Broadstairs & Ramsgate Rochester, Chatham & Gillingham Sevenoaks Tonbridge and Malling Tunbridge Wells