Sydney's Centennial Park celebrates Charles Dickens bicentenary

Sydney's Centennial Park will today mark the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birthday with a special event at the foot of one of the only two life-sized statues of Dickens in the world.
Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust Director and Chief Executive Kim Ellis explains "in partnership with the NSW Dickens Society, we will be hosting a very special celebratory event for a person who is still recognised as one of the world's most profound novelists and social commentators of his time."
The restored 120 year old Dickens statue in Centennial Park was unveiled on 7th February last year following a fascinating and mysterious history which included a public campaign to locate the then 'lost' statue, and highly complex restoration process which was beset by what some described as the 'curse of Dickens'.
The event will be attended by international stage and screen actress, Miriam Margoyles (Patron of the NSW Dickens Society); British Consul- General Richard Morris and many other local dignitaries and special guests.
Short entertainment pieces and readings from his novels and poetry will be read to celebrate the life and work of the great master of humour and pathos.
A special lunch will be held at Centennial Parklands Dining after the event, followed by birthday cake and champagne toast.

http://www.dickenssydney.com