A North East city is set to be transformed into a Dickensian wonderland this winter as part of a new cultural celebration, it has been revealed.
Dickens Festival North, will take over Newcastle from November 17 to December 24, bringing to life the stories and legacy of Charles Dickens through theatre, immersive dining, music, storytelling, heritage walks, and family events.
The festival is produced by The Assembly Rooms Newcastle, which will also mark its 250th anniversary during the celebrations.
A city-wide programme of events will take place across some of Newcastle’s most renowned and atmospheric venues.
A spokesperson for The Assembly Rooms Newcastle said: "In 2026, as we mark 250 years of the Assembly Rooms, we’re thrilled to launch a festival that celebrates one of Newcastle’s most famous visitors.
"Dickens Festival North is bold, atmospheric, and joyful — a city-wide invitation to step inside the stories that defined an era."
Theatre highlights include a haunting one-man performance of The Signalman, one of Dickens’ most chilling tales, and Mr Dickens is Coming!.
The latter will be performed by Gerald Dickens, and offers a personal and lively portrait of the man behind the novels.
Another standout show is Urania: Dickens’ Home for Fallen Women, a new theatrical piece exploring the humanitarian work of Dickens.
A key feature of the festival is an immersive dining experience, Dickens Unbound!, which promises a four-course Victorian-style feast.
Guests will encounter characters such as Fagin, Pickwick, Scrooge, and Miss Havisham between courses, bringing Dickens' world to life in true theatrical style.
Family-friendly events will also take centre stage.
PuppetFolk will present a tribute to The Muppet Christmas Carol, filled with classic Muppet songs and festive humour.
The festival concludes with Dickens by Candlelight — A Christmas Carol, performed in the intimate, historic setting of Alderman Fenwick’s House.
Heritage walks, led by Newcastle City Guides, will trace the paths Dickens took during his time in the city.
The walk begins at Alderman Fenwick's House — formerly the Queen’s Head Hotel, where Dickens once stayed — and ends at the Assembly Rooms.
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Additional talks, storytelling sessions, and guest appearances are expected to be announced throughout the festival.
Dickens Festival North aims to be a major new cultural tradition for the North East, combining history, literature, and immersive events to create a unique experience.
The full festival programme and ticket information is available at www.theassemblyrooms.org/dickens-festival-north.
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