Worcester’s Script Haven will celebrate Dickens with readings, talks, and tea
Worcester: Script Haven is gearing up for a special one-day festival to celebrate Charles Dickens. This event is a nod to the famous author who visited the building back in 1858 when it was still the Swan Hotel.
They’re planning a bunch of fun activities to mark Dickens’ birthday, like readings, competitions, and even a Victorian afternoon tea. Sounds delightful, right?
Leena Batchelor, the owner, shared that many folks only see Dickens as a school subject or a popular fiction writer. But he was so much more than that. He tackled serious issues in Victorian society and pushed for change through his stories.
The festival is set for Saturday, February 7, right after Dickens’ birthday. A plaque was put up last year to commemorate his visit, which is pretty cool.
Leena is thrilled about the blue plaque honoring Dickens and is grateful to everyone who helped uncover this connection. She had no idea about the link before but feels lucky to keep his legacy alive.
By the way, Script Haven was named the third-best independent bookshop in the UK by The Times in 2024. Quite an achievement!