Victorian Whitsun Market & Fair
Sunday 24 May 2026 | Faversham Town Centre
10am – 3pm
Step into the spirit of a traditional Whitsun holiday as Faversham Charter Market presents a new town-centre event inspired by the great Victorian fairs and holiday markets of the late nineteenth century.
For one special Sunday, Faversham’s historic marketplace will take on the flavour of an earlier age, combining the bustle of a traditional street market with light-hearted period entertainments and heritage-inspired spectacle.
Copyright Medway Council/Captured by Steve Hartridge Photography
A day of history and entertainment
At the heart of the day will be a vibrant outdoor market drawn from Faversham Charter Market’s established trader community, joined by traditional Punch and Judy performances, and costumed walkabout entertainment bringing colour, music and mischief into the streets.
Visitors may encounter strolling characters from the past, hear close-harmony songs from the Rochester Proppers and Melody Mob, enjoy old-fashioned amusements, browse independent stalls, and soak up an atmosphere designed to recall the popular Whitsun outings once enjoyed by generations before us.
Adding a happy historical coincidence, the event falls on 24 May – the birthday of Queen Victoria herself (her 207th, if one is counting), lending an extra touch of appropriateness to a day inspired by the age that bore her name.
This is not a re-enactment, but a living market event inspired by history – rooted in Faversham’s long tradition as a market town and designed to celebrate the pleasure of spending a holiday in town.
Performance by Charles Dickens’ great, great, great grandson
As a special finale to the day, acclaimed Dickens performer Gerald Dickens – Charles Dickens’ three-times Grandson – will appear at the historic Assembly Rooms at 4.30pm, performing Dr Marigold together with The Meeting of Queen Victoria and Mr Dickens.
There is a pleasing serendipity here too: Dr Marigold centres on a sharp-speaking itinerant market trader — a wonderfully fitting character to emerge at the close of a day built around market life. It forms a natural bridge between the street festivities and an intimate theatrical finale.
Book tickets for Gerald Dicken’s performance here.
Beyond the entertainment, the event aims to support the wider town-centre economy by encouraging visitors to spend longer in Faversham, explore its independent shops and hospitality venues, and enjoy the town as a destination.
With market life, music, heritage characters, traditional amusements and a Dickensian theatrical finale, the Victorian Whitsun Market & Fair promises a memorable and unusual day out in one of Kent’s most historic towns.
Admission to the outdoor market and street entertainment is free.