Step Back in Time: Celebrate Dickens' Legacy at Worcester's Festive Book Bash!

Worcester is preparing to celebrate the legacy of one of England's most famous authors, Charles Dickens, with a special festival nearly 170 years after his visit to the city. The event, called the Great Recitations Dickens Festival, will be held at Script Haven, a well-known bookshop on High Street, during the weekend of 7 and 8 February. This festival is particularly meaningful because Charles Dickens visited Worcester in 1858 as part of a national tour, where he read from his beloved story 'A Christmas Carol. ' Script Haven proudly displays a blue plaque to commemorate Dickens' visit, and the shop's owner, Leena Batchelor, says that customers often ask about the connection between the city and the famous writer.

The festival will feature a variety of events both at Script Haven and in Cathedral Square. One of the highlights will be a visit from Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, who is not only a historian and author but also the great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens himself. Her presence adds a personal touch to the celebration, as she will share stories and insights about her famous ancestor. Other activities during the festival include talks, exhibitions of old photographs, and displays of posters from the 1951 film 'Scrooge,' which was inspired by 'A Christmas Carol. ' The bookshop is located on the site of the former Swan Hotel, where Dickens stayed during his visit, making the location especially significant for fans of his work.

Leena Batchelor expressed her excitement about the festival, saying that it is always fascinating to learn more about Worcester's connection to Dickens. She enjoys sharing this history with visitors and believes the festival is a wonderful way to bring the community together. The event is expected to attract both locals and visitors who are interested in literature and history. Organizers hope that the festival will inspire people to read Dickens' stories and appreciate the impact he had on English literature. For those interested in attending or learning more, Script Haven and BBC Hereford & Worcester are providing updates and information online. The festival promises to be a memorable occasion for anyone who loves books and the stories of Charles Dickens.