Celebrations are underway as the popular Sweeps festival once again takes over a historic high street.

Rochester is playing host to the event that promotes folk music and dance this weekend with yesterday kicking off the entertainment.

The festival officially opened at 10.45am outside the Guildhall Museum Forecourt where the Mayor of Medway, Cllr Nina Gurung, announced its commencement followed by a dance showcase.

Several stages were also put up across the historical town each displaying a range of folk music and culture until all the way to 8.30pm.

Morris dancers were out in full force filling the streets with the sound of bells and crashes while many took part in festivities by getting dressed in colourful garments and outfits.

The celebration is set to continue today until 8.30pm again with bands and dance groups providing entertainment all day in various locations.

It should continue onto Bank Holiday Monday tomorrow as well despite the weather predicted to turn sour for the day with the festival scheduled to end at 7pm.

Sweeps is a symbol of the beginning of the British summer, which was welcomed by chimney sweeps and Morris dancers.

The event was designed to recreate the joy enjoyed by chimney sweeps on their traditional holiday and was even mentioned in a Charles Dickens article in 1836.

Cllr Harinder Mahil (Lab), cabinet member for heritage, culture and leisure at Medway Council, said: “Rochester Sweeps Festival is a brilliant Medway tradition and I am really looking forward to this year’s event.

“We know how much this festival means to the people of Medway, but also how many visitors are drawn here to witness this brilliant event and join in the fun.

“With fantastic live music, heaps of live entertainment and dancing, and plenty of delicious food and drink on offer, make sure you save the date and head down to Rochester over the May bank holiday weekend.”