When we came home after eight years in Africa we lived for a time in Rochester, Kent, on the shores of the River Medway. It is an ancient town with cathedral, castle and cobbled streets. It’s also a place that goes in for plenty of fun activities.
For a start there’s a strong Charles Dickens connection. The writer lived in the area and in particular based some of the locations of his novel Great Expectations in and around the town. Every year, and to mark this important literary association, there is a Dickens Festival. This mostly involves people dressing up in appropriate costumes and parading about the streets. For some reason we have no photos so you’ll just have to imagine the fun of bumping into multiple versions of Miss Haversham out on the High Street.
Instead here we have the Rochester Sweeps Festival, an annual gathering that mostly involves Morris groups from across the land, but with a scattering of chimney sweeps plus a few Green Men thrown in. This particular event has been going for nearly forty years, but it harks back to centuries’ old festivities.
I attempted to unravel the history in an earlier post. So if you wish to know more about arcane English pursuits go here: Unexpected with bells, sticks and hankies at the Sweeps Festival
For now, here are a few more of Graham’s photos that did not feature in the original post. You can draw your own conclusions about the multiple cultural references, some more eccentric than others. The young women in black ‘Miss Whiplash’ ensembles hailed from the US:
Tish Farrell 
Looks as though everyone is having a great time, Tish. I hope your weekend is off to a great start.
janet
Cheers, Janet. A good weekend to you too. I think I’m off to make more compost heaps 🙂
So things are heating up? 🙂
Nothing like a bit of composting 🙂
This would make a perfect setting for an episode of Midsomer Murders! Great photos! Absolutely love the last but one with a sweep staring at a person with his back to the camera. I’m always a sucker for these festivals – and Morris dancing. Interesting to see women with the bells on – I thought only guys did Morris dancing.
Yes, you are absolutely right – a murder in motley! Also Morris dancing does seem to have broken into all manner of surprising areas. The important part, though, is that there should be plenty of real ale.
Definitely fun!
I can’t read anything to do with Morris Dancing without thinking of Terry Pratchett.
Great minds with Marilyn elsewhere in the comments!
Great photos, I really like the last one focussing on the feet 🙂
A real Graham shot that one. I’ll tell him 🙂
Terry Pratchett said that the Morris Dance, properly done, summoned gods.
Ah, now that explains it all. Thank you Marilyn, and indeed Terry (sadly missed).
Striking photos! Never heard of Morris Dance so I will have to check out the other post. It looks like a fun festival with plenty of real ale! Cheers!
Reblogged this on Matthews' Blog.
Many thanks 🙂
Welcome
Welcome
Really perfect for the theme!
This looks like so much fun. I’d love to be there for it. Great photos!
Alison
It almost inspired me to take up Morris Dancing. All that fun dressing up!
Excellent.
Whether you like them or not – I do, they are colourful and entertaining!