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Experience Swale
  • A Trip to the Isle of Sheppey
  • Visit Sittingbourne
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  • Things to See and Do in Faversham
  • Accommodation in Faversham
  • Places to Eat in Faversham
  • Events in Faversham Filtered Search Link
  • Faversham Town Council Website
  • Faversham Town Council's Faversham Passport
Explore
  • Beaches
  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Homes and Gardens
  • History and Heritage
  • Family History
  • Heritage Railways in Swale
  • Maritime Swale
  • Shopping In Swale
  • Healthy and Active in Swale
  • Find Attractions in the Swale Area
Food & Drink
  • Find Places to Eat
  • Food and Drink in Swale
  • Afternoon Tea in Swale Options
Macknade Fine Foods Plate of Food.jpg
Places to Stay
  • Stay and Eat in Swale
  • Find Accommodation
  • Hotels
  • Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
  • Self-Catering Accommodation
  • Camping and Caravanning
  • Hostel Accommodation
What's On
  • What's On in Swale
  • Find Events
  • Festivals
  • Arts and Cultural Events
  • Anniversaries
  • Visit Swale Event Submission Form
Visit Swale Promotional Image .JPG
20230521 135711
Plan Your Visit
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Visitor Information and Brochures
  • Travel Information
  • Community Radio Stations in Swale
  • Maps
  • Tide Times
  • Weather
  • National Highways A249 Improvement Works - Plan Ahead
  • 10 Reasons to Visit
  • 48 hrs on the Isle of Sheppey
  • 48 Hours in Sittingbourne
  • 48 Hours in Faversham and Surrounding Villages
  • Family Days Out in Swale
  • Rainy Days in Faversham, Sittingbourne and on the Isle of Sheppey
  • Discover Swale - A Photo Location Guide By Alex Hare Photography
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  1. Home
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  4. Rochester Sweeps Festival
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Web Links Location Local station Rochester

Rochester Sweeps Festival

2nd May - 4th May 2026

This vibrant three‑day spring festival attracting thousands with free performances, tradition, and community spirit!

Step into the historic streets of Rochester and experience one of England’s most colourful and lively spring traditions!

Every Early May Bank Holiday, the city bursts into a whirl of folk music, Morris dancing, parades, and the legendary Jack‑in‑the‑Green. It’s a joyful celebration that dates back centuries, when chimney sweeps marked May Day as their one day of freedom and festivity.

 

Image of the Rochester Sweeps Festival

Rochester Sweeps Festival

Useful information for the Sweeps Festival

  • Free Park & Ride Service

    A Free Park & Ride service will operate during the Rochester Sweeps Festival from the University of Greenwich (Medway Campus) by Nu-Venture.

    The first bus will depart at 09:40 and will run every 20 minutes until 17:40.

    The last bus will depart Rochester at 18:45 on Saturday and Sunday and at 18:05 on the Monday.

    Due to limited town centre parking, it is advisable to use this service or travel to the event by public transport.

     

     

    Nu-Venutre
  • Coach Parking Arrangements for Sweeps

    Normal coach parking arrangements will apply for the Rochester Sweeps Festival taking place on 2, 3 and 4 May. 

    All passengers will need to be dropped off and collected from the four dedicated coach bays on Corporation Street (A2) behind the former Visitor Information Centre in Rochester.

    Please adhere to the waiting restrictions in this area to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for non-compliance and blocking the bays for other coach users.  Strictly 'No Parking' is permitted.

    Once drivers have dropped off their passengers, please proceed to park at Curtis Way Coach Park, located just off the A229 City Way.


    Curtis Way Coach Park
  • Click here to learn more about the history of the Sweeps Festival.

    History of the Sweeps Festival

More details on this event, including the programme will be published shortly.

Location

Open Map

Address

Rochester Sweeps Festival Rochester High Street

Contact

eventsteam@medway.gov.uk

Links

  • Website
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Morris Dance
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