A Magical May Bank Holiday: Discover the 2025 Rochester Sweeps Festival
A Festival Steeped in Tradition
The Sweeps Festival is inspired by the age-old tradition of chimney sweeps celebrating the arrival of spring. In centuries past, May Day was the one day of the year when chimney sweeps could take a well-earned break and let their hair down. The celebrations were boisterous, mischievous, and full of folklore — with Jack-in-the-Green, a leafy green figure representing the spirit of the season, leading the parade.
Revived in the 1980s by local musician and folk hero Gordon Newton, the modern-day Rochester Sweeps Festival keeps this vibrant tradition alive with a joyful mix of music, dance, street theatre, and storytelling — all set against the backdrop of Rochester’s rich Dickensian architecture and medieval charm.
Music, Merriment, and Morris
Across the weekend, the streets will be alive with Morris dancers, folk musicians, and buskers from all over the UK. Rochester Castle Gardens and the Cathedral Green will host open-air concerts, while pubs and pop-up stages throughout the High Street will feature everything from sea shanties and bluegrass to Celtic rock and acoustic storytelling.
Look out for regular performances at:
The Crown
The Eagle Tavern
The George Vaults
Rochester Castle Gardens stage
Bodega Bar’s folk sessions
And many other surprise spots along the High Street
On Bank Holiday Monday (5th May), the festival reaches its traditional peak with the mass parade — a jubilant procession led by Jack-in-the-Green, featuring Morris dancers, musicians, and characters who bring the spirit of May Day to life.
Spotlight on the Eastgate Quarter: Rochester’s Enchanted Corner
In 2025, the Eastgate Quarter at the eastern end of the High Street is set to dazzle with its own unique twist on the Sweeps experience. This enchanting corner of Rochester offers a quieter, more whimsical escape from the hustle and bustle of the main drag — perfect for families and curious explorers.
✨ Psychic Alley (Bishop’s Walk)
Step off the beaten path into Psychic Alley, a hidden gem tucked away in Bishop’s Walk. Here, the veil between worlds thins as clairvoyants, tarot readers, palmists, and crystal healers offer glimpses into the past, present, and future. The alleyway’s atmospheric setting is straight out of a gothic novel, making it an unmissable stop for festival-goers with a mystical streak.
🧚♀️ Eastgate Gardens Children’s Area
The Eastgate Gardens will transform into a magical wonderland for young visitors and the young at heart. Highlights include:
Face painting and glitter stations
A whimsical fairy ring under the trees
A charming unicorn photo set for the ultimate festival selfie
Sweet treats galore from the 'Trifle Cakes' stall
A nostalgic pick n’ mix sweets stand packed with old-fashioned favourites
Whether you're hunting fairies in the flowerbeds or tucking into a rainbow-sprinkled cupcake, this family-friendly area is the perfect place to pause and soak in the joy of the festival.
Make a Day of It (Or Three!)
The Rochester Sweeps Festival is completely free to attend, making it an ideal May Bank Holiday escape for families, music lovers, and history buffs alike. Whether you’re drawn by the beat of the drum, the swirl of skirts, or the scent of roasted nuts and cider in the air, there’s something here for everyone.
So dust off your top hat, grab a ribbon or two, and join us in Rochester this May for a weekend of tradition, transformation, and good old-fashioned fun.
Plan Your Visit
🚆 Just 35 minutes by train from London St Pancras
📍 Parking is limited – use public transport if you can
🎭 Full programme available via Medway Council’s official website
Stay tuned to the Tour Rochester blog and follow us on social media for local tips, insider stories, and the best places to eat, shop, and stay during the Sweeps weekend.
