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Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Be it decreed that all lords, ladies and children shall come and celebrate the 36th Annual Dickens on The Strand, December 5-6, 2009, where bobbies, Beefeaters and the Queen herself will be on hand to recreate the Victorian London of Charles Dickens. Characters from Dickens novels walk the street. Food and entertainment fill the area with sights and smells that take you back to another era.
Dickens on The Strand is an annual Victorian-themed holiday festival scheduled for December 5 & 6, 2009, on the streets of historic downtown Galveston.
Dressing the part of a Victorian lady or gent can be as easy as pulling together pieces hanging in the back of the closet. Or it could be as fun as finding a vintage dress or suit in a thrift shop or antique store. Others even have costumes custom-made for the event.
Galveston Historical Foundation, Dickens on The Strand will take you and your family on an enchanted journey through history as a bustling 19th Century cityscape comes to life. For an entire weekend, hundreds of costumed vendors and performers will provide a look at the pomp and pageantry of the British Empire, at a time when commercial and cultural ties provided a strong connection between London and Texas’ largest and richest city.
Centered in Galveston’s The Strand National Historic Landmark District, located approximately one hour south of downtown Houston, the family festival will include parades, non-stop entertainment on the festival’s stages, plus strolling carolers and roving street musicians, bagpipers and entertainers. Additionally, costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with tasty culinary delights and Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations and gift items.
Dickens on The Strand began 35 years ago with a mission: save The Strand’s historic buildings from demolition. A group of Galvestonians, along with GHF, understood the historical significance of the endangered structures and took action. In December of 1974, a potluck supper was organized in The Strand to gain public awareness about the potential destruction of what is now a National Historic Landmark District.
Dickens on The Strand was born...and Galveston Island became a pioneer in preservation. Dickens on The Strand’s original mission was realized, and today The Strand is at the center of a National Historic Landmark District.
The event so captured the imagination of Galveston’s residents and visitors that it has grown to become one of the most popular festivals in America, and GHF’s single largest fundraising event. The hard work of hundreds of volunteers and support of dozens of sponsors each year produces an event that is enjoyed by all, and allows GHF to continue its efforts to “preserve, revitalize and celebrate the architectural, cultural and maritime heritage of Galveston Island.”
Festival Location & Directions
Galveston is located approximately one hour south of Houston. Take I-45 south for approximately 50 miles. After you cross the causeway linking the mainland to Galveston, I-45 will become Broadway, and the cross streets will be numbered in decreasing order. To reach the Strand National Historic Landmark District, the site of Dickens on The Strand, turn left onto either 24th, 22nd, or 21st Streets, and continue north toward Galveston Bay. These streets all intersect Mechanic Street at the perimeter of the festival site.
Parking is available on many streets and lots within walking distance of the festival area.
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