Sweeps

I don’t know why more people don’t celebrate Sweeps. As far as I can tell Rochester is the only place which does celebrate Sweeps and honestly it ought to be a world wide event, though it might be best for each place to pick separate days.

You see, Sweeps is about one thing: getting absolutely plastered.

Legless. Pissed. Sloshed. Drunk out of your mind.

If drinking isn’t your thing then this is not the festival for you. I would say that there are other things which Sweeps is good for, like seeing people in Dickensian or steam-punk style getups, but the fact is that there is so much alcohol around that if that’s a temptation, you’re best just to steer clear.

For those of us who are fine with drinking and being surrounded by alcohol, this is absolutely the place for you!

The festival is a three day events which takes place around May Day, or May 1st. This was traditionally the only day off the Chimney Sweeps had all year. As you can imagine, they used it to go get drunk! Today the Sweeps Festival offers a chance to see Morris dancers, a fair in the Rochester Castle grounds, arts and crafts vendors, and of course the chance to sample a wide assortment of alcohol, the most popular being beer and cider. If you’re not from Kent I recommend trying Bushels, a Kentish Cider which I’ve only ever found there. You might also, if you happen to spy it, try Black Dragon, a Welsh cider and by far the best I have ever tasted. There are also many ciders which incorporate different fruit into the traditional apple blend. Cherry is lovely addition, in my opinion!

During this festival it is permissible to carry alcohol with you throughout the town as long as it’s in a plastic cup. The townsfolk and your fellow festival goers wouldn’t take too kindly to the ungodly amount of smashed pints which might fill the streets where glass to be permitted.

You’ll likely find beer tents and hotels which open up their lower floors and pubs to guests, but any of the pubs on the Rochester High Street are worth a pop in. My personal favourites are Ye Arrow, The Golden Lion (Weatherspoons), and the Two Brewers, the last two can be found at the far end of the High Street, away from the castle.

When you’re there make sure you have a means of getting back to your place of rest, be it your own home, a friend’s, or your hotel. Make sure, too, to be respectful. For the most part the people at this festival are not there to cause a raucous or a fuss. They’re there to enjoy their pints and the company of their friends. You may also wish to bring cash, as some pubs won’t accept cards.

The festival was cancelled this year due to Covid, but with vaccination numbers rising Rochester is hoping to host it once more in 2022. You can keep an eye on their Facebook page if you’d like more details!

Wear a mask, wash you hands, and stay safe gentle reader.