This much loved free festival, now in its 43rd year, will take place from Saturday 3 May to Monday 5 May 2025 between 10am and 6pm.
The Rochester Sweeps Festival, International Festival of Folk Music and Dance, has become one of the largest May Day celebrations of its kind in the world.
For 3 days, historic Rochester is transformed into a riot of colour and sound with the best folk musicians and bands. Hundreds of Morris dancers from across the country clatter their clogs and clash their sticks up and down the high street. The festival also hosts a dynamic programme of international dance groups and workshops.
Saturday offers the largest gathering of Morris dance groups performing throughout the high street. On Sunday the festival showcases Morris and international folk dance and music. On Monday the festival celebrates the great May Day traditions with Jack in the Green Parade.
Traders
With over 55,000 visitors over the weekend, Rochester Sweeps is a great festival to trade at. You can find out about the requirements and how to book a stall below.
We're always on the look out for stewards and volunteers for Rochester Sweeps Festival.
Performers
If you’re interested in performing at Rochester Sweeps Festival get in touch by emailing eventsteam@medway.gov.uk.
History of Sweeps Festival
The Rochester Sweeps Festival is a celebration dating back 300 years.
In Victorian times chimney sweeps only had one day off a year and it was on 1 May.
In Rochester, the chimney sweeps would parade down the high street dancing and singing as they got a much-needed break from a grimy and tough trade.
When the Climbing Boys Act was introduced in 1868, stopping the employment of young boys in chimney cleaning, the tradition and spirit of the Sweeps Festival gradually withered away. However in the 1980s, historian Gordon Newton breathed new life into the fesitval, spearheading a small parade including Morris dancers from his own Motley Morris crew.
Since then the festival has blossomed into a must-attend event attracting hundreds of locals and tourists. From spirited dance troupes to folk music and eclectic musical acts, the festivities offer something for everyone.
