Broadstairs Dickens Festival commemorates the important role played in its development with a picture in memory of stalwart Joyce Smith on the cover of this year’s official programme.

Miss Smith, 84, who was chairman of the Dickens Fellowship and one of the founders of the town’s Dickens House Museum, was found dead at her home in the town earlier this year.

Friends and colleagues paid tribute to her dedication and enthusiasm for the summer event, for which she was organiser for many years.

She was once described affectionately as “the grand old lady of Broadstairs” by the late Cedric Dickens, great-grandson of the Victorian novelist.

The 71st annual festival which runs from June 19-22 has a varied programme of events.

Spokesman Lynn Myhill said: “The festival is only running in full for four days this year; but each of those days will be packed to the hilt.

“The festival play Bleak House and the music hall are running for longer, and the usual Thanet Male Voice Choir concert is on the Wednesday.”

Highlights include:

Saturday, June 21: Grand parade from the war memorial in the High Street to Victoria Gardens, beginning at 2pm; the festival supper and dance, Pavilion, Harbour Street, 8pm

Sunday, June 22: Victorian cricket match, Victorian bathing, croquet, vignettes, the historical walk, musical entertainment from local schools, competitions, melodramas, Punch and Judy, Victorian picnic, and more at various locations; a lecture on Oscar Wilde at The Sarah Thorne Theatre Club, Hilderstone, at 5pm; Victorian banquet, Pavilion, Harbour Street, 7.30pm.

To find out more about the full programme of events, contact the festival kiosk, close to Dickens House museum at Victoria Parade between 10am and 5pm, or telephone 01843 861118.