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

By Ferne Arfin, About.com

Morris men during the Rochester Sweeps Festival

Morris men during the Rochester Sweeps Festival

Courtesy of Britain on View
  • 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.
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