The Rochester Sweeps - A Modern Revival of a Chimney Sweep Tradition

• What: A traditional three-day English fair with Morris Dancing in the streets
• When: May 5 to 7
• Where: Rochester in Kent
• Admission: Free outdoors activities, concerts from £6 to £15
• Website

This is a modern revival of an old tradition. Up until the mid 19th century, children worked as chimney sweeps. When summer came they had a lot to celebrate as they could resume their trade. Today's Rochester Sweeps Festival commemorates those celebrations with three days of Morris Dancing in the streets, plus a children's fun fair, a real ale tent and a traditional musical instrument fair, with concerts, at the Corn Exchange.