Victorian Festival of Christmas
The Victorian era is considered the golden age for Christmas as well as children’s literature and book illustration and with this in mind Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is inviting visitors to step into the magical world of the Victorian Festival of Christmas, taking place on Friday 26th – Sunday 28th November, and explore their very own Wonderland.Entering its 11th Chapter, the ‘Victorian Festival of Christmas’ will not only celebrate 150 years since the launch of HMS Warrior 1860, but also the colourful characters of childhood memories and in true ‘Christmas Carol’ tradition the past can become an extra special Christmas present with a saving of 10% if booking before the end of October 2010.
It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself – Extract from A Christmas Carol
Organisers invite visitors to relive the magic of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, but beware the pirate ships; enter the enchanting world of Beatrix Potter’s illustrations and venture into The Secret Garden – complete with farm!
The playful can jump into scenes from the film classic, Mary Poppins, complete with chimney sweeps, chalk paintings, a carousel and beautiful display of kites souring above HMS Victory.
It is advised that you don’t arrive late to join Alice and the March Hare at The Mad Hatters Tea Party; you can always follow the Pied Piper and his merry tunes to get there! Or for those who enjoy their characters to be more sensible they can gather around for classic readings of Dickens and Sherlock Holmes.
There will be snow in the air and underfoot to recreate the festive spirit of times gone-by as visitors stroll down the Victorian Street to where they will find rest and merriment (and maybe a real ale) at Fagin’s Tavern and enjoy a sing-a-long and bawdy Music Hall-style entertainment.
No-one is too old to visit Father Christmas and he is waiting, complete in green dress, to find out those who’ve been naughty or nice and give gifts from his grotto aboard HMS Warrior 1860.
The aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine will fill the air, as will the sounds of carol singers, music and performances at every turn, bringing the Victorian age to life.
The story is brought up-to-date with a glorious bazaar of arts, crafts, festive food and drink and unique Christmas gifts for loved ones at the European-style Christmas shopping markets.
Tickets include entrance to the world-class attractions, HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum, National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations and also included this year; a boat tour around Portsmouth Harbour.
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fireside and his quiet home!
Excerpt from The Pickwick Papers, Chapter 28
If booking before the end of October visitors can save 10%. Tickets are priced at: adult £12.15 (advance), £13.50 thereafter, senior and child £10.35 advance, £11.50 thereafter, family £37.35, £41.50 thereafter.
Further information and ticket booking can be found on the website www.christmasfestival.co.uk
A Victorian Festival of Christmas is supported by Wave 105.
