THERE are less than two weeks to go until one of the largest Christmas festivals on the south coast opens at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
This much-anticipated start to the festive season is bigger than in previous years with a number of new additions, including a celebration of the works of one of the city’s most famous sons, Charles Dickens.
The Dickens Christmas Festival will take place from November 30 to December 2 will transport visitors to a bygone era.
The dockyard is transformed into a Victorian street, complete with snow-covered cobbles, a lively Christmas market and a colourful, interactive cast of Dickens’ most famous characters.
Visitors can try to spread some festive cheer to grumpy Scrooge, come face-to-face with the fearsome Miss Havisham and meet lovable pickpocket Fagin, all while enjoying access to the dockyard’s attractions. There will even be special quiz to test literary buffs on their knowledge of the works of Dickens.
Guests will be able to pick up gifts and browse other seasonal treats at over 100 Christmas stalls, laid out among the dockyard’s historic buildings and enjoy a festive tipple at Fagin’s Tavern, which will be even bigger this year.
Festive characters will include those from the dockyard’s own Curiosity Shop. Visit www.christmasfestival.co.uk to book.