Delightful dreams of Christmases past become a reality at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as the Victorian Festival of Christmas celebrates a 10th successful year and, unlike the story of Scrooge, this one leaves everyone with an enchanting experience.
Visitors will be magically transported into a Dickensian-style bygone era of snowy white streets with a festive fairground and seasonal carols. Hearty food is on the menu including the much-loved roasted chestnuts and mulled wine; and pleasure can be found throughout the dockyard with parlour games, bawdy Music Hall, a nativity farm and a traditional ‘green’ Santa, who ensures this hugely popular event is fun for all the family.
Visitors will be met by a host of colourful characters including the Town Crier, suffragettes, chimney sweeps and cheeky scamps. The organisers would also like to advise revellers to be wary of pickpockets… Fagin and his gang are out in force in the tavern to celebrate 100 years of being in film, along with plenty of others who will bring back the enjoyment of singing and dancing in public.
Children can enjoy Victorian treats from Father Christmas in his grotto onboard HMS Warrior 1860, before taking their place in the school room in the Royal Naval Museum, to ensure they are on best behaviour before Queen Victoria herself arrives to oversee the merriment.
Gifts are a-plenty when the grand buildings of the Historic Dockyard are transformed into a glorious bazaar of arts, crafts, food, drink and gifts, a Continental Market and Georgian Colonnades – making the Festival of Christmas the largest Christmas market on the South Coast!
The day draws to a close with a twilight parade through the Historic Dockyard of all the festival characters, led by Queen Victoria in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage, and set against the backdrop of the ships in their illuminated glory.
Prices:
Adults: £12.50, Seniors (60+): £10.50, Children (5-15 years): £10.50
Family (Up to 5 people, maximum 2 adults/seniors): £37.50
Early Bird Booking Offer - book before 30th September 2009 and receive a 10% discount on these prices!
For groups/coaches attending 'A Victorian Festival of Christmas' there is a coach drop off and pick up facility at the Hard. Discounted tickets for groups of 15 or more people are available.
For further information and to buy tickets please see http://www.christmasfestival.co.uk/