Dickens on the Strand

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! It was decreed that all lords and ladies and children shall come and celebrate the 36th Annual Dickens on The Strand, where bobbies, Beefeaters and the Queen herself would be on hand to recreate the Victorian London of Charles Dickens. 

All of these gorgeous dresses were hand sewn by Cheryl(the hottie in red), whose passion and hobby includes making costumes for this event. 

Lucinda Dickens, Great-great-great grand-daughter of Charles Dickens is on the far left. I humbly admit that she wore my blush-pink dress the night before. We found ourselves graciously nodding and waving to one another the rest of the day. 

We enjoyed mingling with characters from Dickens novels who walked the streets. 

It was most exciting to see the history as a bustling 19th Century city came to life.

The festival included parades, non-stop entertainment on the stages, plus strolling carolers and roving street musicians, bagpipers and entertainers.

While we're on the topic of stages, I was manipulated into entering the costume contest. Cheryl's husband put a $10 bill in my hand and pointed the way to the sign-ups. 

Needless to say, I didn't win. I'm holding up alright.

Aaron enjoyed a tasty Victorian-inspired treat.

Street vendors strolled along with their carts laden with culinary delights including sausages on a stick, deep-fried 3 Musketeers, you know...the 33% fat free candy bar, massive and delicious turkey legs,  all of which are simply to-die-for. 

Christmas tree on stilts. How cool is this?

Her dress lit up in the evening. What a sight she was!

Merry Christmas to all!

Yours truly, Me