by Noella Noelophile®
(Graphic courtesy of Red Barn Productions, and used with permission.)
It’s almost time for the Great Dickens Christmas Fair!
And 2024 marks a special milestone for them: their Ruby Jubilee, as the Dickens Fair celebrates its 40th season!
Started by Ron and Phyllis Patterson in 1970, the Dickens Fair is unlike any other Christmas celebration–in the Bay Area, or anywhere else.
(Photo by Rich Yee, and used with permission.)
Described as “a Victorian Christmas card come to life”, this is a five-week immersive theatre event, which takes attendees back to the London of Charles Dickens’ day.
Visitors interact with chimney sweeps, shopkeepers, characters from Dickens’ novels, luminaries of his time–and occasionally, with Mr. Dickens himself.
(Photo by Zoart Photography, and used with permission.)
Old Fezziwig’s dance party is happening. Talented artists and artisans display their creations in the market stalls. A carousel and games are available for the little kids (and the taller ones, as well!). A wide range of entertainment, from the saucy fare of Mad Sal’s Dockside Ale House to traditional British Christmas pantomimes, is offered. The food (including traditional British fish and chips and gingerbread) is fantastic.
And none of what I’ve written here comes close to doing justice to this magical experience.
(Photo by Rich Yee, and used with permission.)
“We’re pulling out all the stops (for our jubilee celebration),” says Red Barn Productions Founder and Co-Producer Kevin Patterson. (Novato-based Red Barn Productions, a full-service event production company, specializes in bringing history to life through historically-authentic special events–of which the Dickens Fair is the most well-known.)
(Photo by Zoart Photography, and used with permission.)
Just before he had to leave for the Cow Palace for setup, Kevin offered a preview of what visitors will experience at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair’s Ruby Jubilee celebration.
(Graphic courtesy of Red Barn Productions, and used with permission.)