This international celebration of folk music and dance has become one of the largest May Day celebrations of its kind in the world.
For three days historic Rochester is transformed into a riot of colour and sound with the best musicians and bands on the folk circuit and hundreds of Morris dancers from across the country clattering their clogs and clashing their sticks up and down the high street.
The Rochester Sweeps Festival is steeped in tradition, brilliantly unique, truly unforgettable and ever so quirky…and we love it. It is one of the largest gatherings of Morris sides in the world, with the streets, parks, bars and pubs of historic Rochester filled with live folk music and dance over this three-day spectacular.
Full event programme is available here.
The Rochester Sweeps Festival is a celebration deeply rooted in history, dating back 300 years, when chimney sweeping was both a grimy necessity and a tough trade, especially for the chimney boys who bore the brunt of the labour. 1 May, the Sweeps' yearly holiday, provided a much-needed respite, marked by a joyous procession winding through the streets.
Since then, the festival has blossomed into a must-attend event, attracting legions of locals and tourists alike. From spirited dance troupes to eclectic musical acts, the festivities offer something for everyone, with tunes ranging from folk melodies to rocking guitar riffs and traditional songs.
By train
Rochester train station is only a few minutes' walk away from the High Street, where festivities take place.
Rochester is well connected to London, especially London Victoria and St Pancras stations - there you can catch a train to Rochester in under one hour. There are also direct trains from Canterbury, Sittingbourne, Gravesend and lots more.
Please note: trains to Rochester are limited on Sunday, 5 May, but you can still travel by train into Strood and enjoy a short 10-minute walk into town. Bus replacements will also be available.
By Car
Car parking in central Rochester will be very limited, so we recommend travelling by public transport. However we will be offering our Park & Walk service.
Park & Walk: During Rochester Sweeps Festival, you can park your vehicle at Jackson's Field in Rochester (ME4 6TJ) and enjoy a short 10-minute walk to Rochester High Street. Cost of parking is £3 per vehicle and site closes at 7pm. No overnight parking.
By Bus
Arriva Southern Counties provides a frequent 10-minute bus service daily between historic Rochester and Chatham Maritime. It also operates several other services throughout Medway and further afield from Chatham Waterfront Bus Station.
Saturday, 4 May
The festival will be officially opened at 10:45am by the Mayor of Medway, immediately followed by a dance showcase. The day full of live music, dance and song will go on until evening, moving into Rochester's vibrant pubs.
Sunday, 5 May
Festivities begin at 11am, and this day is full of both traditional and modern twists on this historic celebration. Enjoy music and dance until evening, where again festivities will continue in local pubs.
Monday, 6 May
Celebrations kick off at 11am, with another day full of live music and dance, with the last event starting at 7pm.
Food & Drink
Medway is full of great restaurants, pubs and cafes. Find out more here.
Hotels
If you're coming from further afield, we highly recommend you enjoy one of our great hotels. Find out more here.
Things to do
If you're enjoying a longer weekend in Medway, why not explore some of its great attractions, like Upnor Castle or the Historic Dockyard in Chatham (where Call the Midwife is filmed!). Find out more here.
Address
Rochester Sweeps Festival 2024 Rochester Town Centre