Festive Victorian delights at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The three day family favourite event takes place on Friday 25th to Sunday 27th November 2011, from 10am – 6pm, in the unique surroundings of the Historic Dockyard. Visitors will be magically transported into a Dickensian-style bygone era of snowy white streets for the rich and poor, featuring new sets, with seasonal carols, the ever raucous Fagin’s Tavern, magic lantern show, ‘Professor Mortimer’s Obscura Menagerie’ and more.

Browse for gifts and festive food at the Christmas Shopping and Hampshire Fare markets and discover how traditional Victorian recipes were prepared and cooked at the Cookery Theatre with Susie Carter, winner of ITV’s ‘Britain’s Best Dish 2008’. Then visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy to see the world’s oldest Christmas pudding given to the Naval Brigade in 1900 during the Boer War.

The young (and young at heart) will delight in visiting the traditional Father Christmas (dressed in green) and relish the opportunity to take the reins aboard his sleigh. Organisers are also certain that Mother Christmas will not be short of helpers to look after the lovable baby reindeer, Bubble and Squeak, as they prepare for Christmas Eve. An event ticket includes entry to the attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. See the National Museum of the Royal Navy in its Centenary year and HMS Warrior 1860 celebrating the 150th anniversary of her launch. Plus HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum, Action Stations and boat trips of Portsmouth Harbour (weather permitting).

For tickets see www.christmasfestival.co.uk or call 0844 880 5419