Riverside Dickens Festival
Eleven original adaptations of Charles Dickens' works and related subjects have been produced by the Riverside Dickens Festival. International award-winning marionette artist, David Simpich has presented two Dickens plays, "Oliver Twist" and "Great Expectations". Original Dickens book adaptations written by local writers and directed by Inland Empire artists have been "Oliver Twist", "Great Expectations", "A Christmas Carol", "David Copperfield", "A Tale of Two Cities", and "Angel In The Architecture" (a conversation between Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens). Other 19th century authors featured have been Hans Christian Anderson and Lewis Carroll.
Adult and student book discussions covering "A Tale of Two Cities", "Great Expectations", "Oliver Twist", and "American Notes" have been held.
Numerous cultural events have been added each year. They are as follows: "Queen Victoria and her Royal Court", Mr. Fezziwig's Victorian Ball, Victorian teas, costume fashion shows and contests, lectures, variety shows, Pub Night, Evensong concert, book discussion, movies and video theater, art and historical exhibits, mini-faire for children, street entertainment and art workshops.
The London Marketplace on the streets in front of Riverside's historic buildings is the location for the festival. Vendors and craft demonstrators sell their wares and costumed characters proudly promenade.
