The Georgians

Like a film set, the Georgian buildings of the Dockyard with period props and dressing will be the setting for a non-stop celebration of music, dancing, eating, drinking and ribaldry as the locals let their hair down celebrating as only the Georgians knew how. Sailors and troops of the Garrison rub shoulders with Dockyard Maties, colourful characters and the general populace as they enjoy the day’s entertainment. Buskers, musicians, tinkers and itinerant traders add to the scene. Visitors will become a part of this celebration as they are invited to listen to the music, dance, ride on the horse carriage, eat, drink and make merry. They had better beware though; the Press Gang will be out and about seeking new recruits! From delightful musical concerts in the Georgian church to “bawdy” sea shanties on Anchor Wharf you’ll think you were in Georgian England in its hey day.

The Victorians

With the Empire at its height and Victoria’s Golden Jubilee approaching, a Grand Fair is taking place. Labourers, crafts people, traders and gentlefolk kick up their heels and loosen their corsets in a patriotic open-air Music Hall occasion.

Children will be enthralled on the period fairground rides, while the adults have fun at the silly costume photo booth. Is Dad strong enough to ring the bell by swinging the mallet? Is Mum pretty enough to be a bathing belle? The answers lie at the Victorian Fair. Characters from Dickens will mingle with our guests as the local bobby keeps an eye on things. To top things off leisurely river cruises and band concerts will help everyone to relax in the manner of a bygone age. To keep up the energy levels seafood, ices and the wonderfully modern candy floss will be available. You never know, old Queen Vic herself might put in an appearance!

The Sixties

The birth of modern Britain is reflected in a colourful presentation from the Swinging Sixties. Shaking off post-war austerity and trying to ignore the Cold War, the generation that "never had it so good" celebrates the end of National Service, the arrival of pop music and pirate radio, TV for the masses, mini skirts and Mini cars, and the start of package holidays. Was it really that good? Find out as you rediscover the twist at the music stage, sample Fanny Craddock’s best recipes and ask "did people really wear that!” Everything was cool and groovy, and England won the World Cup! Music was the big thing in the Sixties,

and so it will be again. Could you be Kent’s best Elvis lookalike? Was it Cliff or the Beatles that moved you? Can you remember the words to Yellow Submarine? You’ll find out at the Swinging Sixties Music Stage where you can

have a go or just fall about laughing. And did the police mounted section really have Pandas?

The New Millennium

We’ve conquered space and been to the ocean floor, but what does it all mean? Is our music as good now as T-Rex and Queen were? Work and home - will it all be the same in the future? What does the future hold? An amazing collection of have-a-go displays will attempt to answer these and many other questions. Dock Idols and Battle of the Bands will carry the torch for modern music and present Kent’s best young talent. See the best of British fashion; sample food and drink; see the cars of tomorrow. For the young and young at heart try your arm with the best of Britain’s Armed Forces, and are unmanned fighters really a flight of fantasy? Find out at the BAE Systems Pavilion and have a go in a simulator from the next generation of fighter aircraft. Our future is in the hands of the young, so who better to prepare them than our colleges and universities? The New Millennium area will feature Kent’s finest. We might not have a crystal ball but we can give a glimpse of the future in the New Millennium area.

A fun day out for all the family!

Admission Prices:

For further details and group rates call 01634 823800 or visit www.chdt.org.uk