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Every summer, the seaside town of Broadstairs in Kent takes a charming leap back into the Victorian era during the Broadstairs Dickens Festival. From 13-15 June 2025, visitors expected three delightful days of literary celebration, theatre, live music, costumed parades, and classic seaside fun, all in honour of Charles Dickens, the literary giant who once found creative refuge along these very shores.
Whether you’re a passionate Dickens reader, a fan of historical dress-ups, or simply looking for a lively cultural weekend by the coast, this guide has everything you need to plan the perfect festival experience.
A Victorian Love Affair: Dickens and Broadstairs
Charles Dickens first arrived in Broadstairs in 1837, when he was just 25 and already making waves with the publication of The Pickwick Papers. Initially staying at 12 High Street, he later moved to different residences in town, each becoming a writing retreat for some of his most celebrated novels.
He completed parts of Nicholas Nickleby, Barnaby Rudge, David Copperfield, and The Haunted Man during his visits, and later wrote “Our English Watering Place” – a nostalgic essay fondly describing Broadstairs as a peaceful escape from London life. His last and most frequented retreat was Fort House, now better known as Bleak House, which overlooks Viking Bay.
The festival itself began in 1937 when local resident Gladys Waterer organised a costumed play based on David Copperfield to mark 100 years since Dickens’ first visit. What started as a local tribute has grown into one of the UK’s most cherished literary festivals, only pausing during the Second World War.
Festival Highlights That Brought the Town to Life
Over three lively days, the town brimmed with Victorian-themed events, from costumed parades to seaside theatrics. Visitors were treated to:
- A vibrant Grand Parade through town, featuring locals and performers in authentic Victorian attire.
- Daily performances of The Mystery of Edwin Drood at the Sarah Thorne Theatre.
- The charming Victorian Fete at Bleak House Gardens, complete with traditional games, music, and craft stalls.
- Family favourites like the Dickensian Mini Golf, open-air choir performances, and a whimsical beach party on Viking Bay.
The Dickensian Spirit Meets Coastal Beauty
While the festival itself was the main attraction, Viking Bay offered the perfect setting to enjoy the weekend’s sunny weather. With its wide sandy shore, tidal pool, vintage promenade, and clifftop views, it served as a picturesque stage for the Friday beach party and gave festivalgoers a chance to relax between events. Ice creams, deck chairs, and sea breezes add to the timeless charm that Dickens himself once enjoyed.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With its mix of theatre, history, family fun, and seaside nostalgia, the Broadstairs Dickens Festival 2025 exceeded all expectations. Whether you joined in the parade, browsed the artisan stalls, or simply soaked up the atmosphere with fish and chips in hand, it was a weekend that captured the magic of both Dickens and the Kentish coast.
Mark your calendar now – the next Broadstairs Dickens Festival is expected to return in June 2026, promising even more to see, hear, and experience. Expect new performances, fresh exhibitions, and plenty of Dickensian flair.
Broadstairs Beyond the Festival
If you have extra time, Broadstairs is home to some of Kent’s most scenic beaches, including:
- Viking Bay – the town’s main beach with soft sand, a tidal pool, and a vintage vibe.
- Stone Bay – quieter and great for rock-pooling.
- Kingsgate Bay – a hidden gem framed by dramatic chalk cliffs.
Don’t forget to visit the Dickens House Museum, which displays memorabilia and period furniture, offering a deeper look at his connection with the town.
Sandgeek 