AN independent city bookshop is hosting the first of potentially many festivals that pay homage to the time a literary legend stayed in its building.
Script Haven, on High Street, has finally launched its one-day Dickens Festival today (Saturday) to celebrate its connection with the esteemed author and social critic Charles Dickens.
Script Haven also has a blue plaque to honour his visit. (Image: Newsquest) The author had visited the building to rest his head for the night in 1858 when it was the Swan Hotel.
The visit nearly 200 years ago led the bookshop's owner, Leena Batchelor, to honour the writer's visit by hosting an annual themed event to mark his birthday.
Author Angelina Uccello has given a talk at the festival. (Image: Newsquest) "It is probably the only bookshop in the UK where Dickens had a pie and a pint," Ms Batchelor joked.
"It is important to celebrate the links Worcester has with these eminent people, as it brings vibrancy and rich heritage to the city.
"We have something to be proud of, something to cherish and something to celebrate.
Author Angelina Uccello has given a talk at the festival. (Image: Newsquest) "When I first heard the story, I thought, you are pulling my leg.
"The customer told us where we could find the evidence and it was indisputable.
The festival today will honour Dicken's by hosting readings, prize competitions, authors, talks, and a Victorian afternoon tea.
The Charles Dickens plaque outside Script Haven. (Image: Newsquest) A plaque marking Dickens' visit was installed on July 24, 2024, after the shop and the author were connected by chance.
With the help of The Hive, Worcester City Council and others, Script Haven found definitive proof Dickens stayed at the hotel turned bookshop.
Script Haven owner, Leena Batchelor, and Adam Stuart as Charles Dickens. (Image: Newsquest) Proof of the Great Expectations writer's trip to Worcester included a letter Dickens wrote to fellow novelist Wilkie Collins from the Swan Hotel.
Ms Batchelor hopes this is the first of many Charles Dickens festivals at the bookshop and is planning to invite his three times great-granddaughter to the event.
"We have the Dicken's fellowship supporting us with this and they host the most vibrant festivals," she added.
"That is what we want to bring to Worcester in the next couple of years.
"We ask everyone to please come and celebrate today and look out for our other exciting upcoming events."