The Rochester chimney sweeps festival – in pictures

This year marks the festival's 32nd year since its reintroduction in 1980, with traditional activities including Morris dancers, who parade to Rochester Castle, and a Jack-in-the-Green ceremony Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Children dance around the maypole during the annual sweep festival. The three day event dates back 400 years and was originally the one day in the year that the chimney sweeps could afford time off to celebrate the coming of spring Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The colourful Motley Morris dance team pose for a photo Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

A group from the Three Town's theatre company in Medway relax on a wall Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Bryan Pearce, a traditional sweep who's family has been sweeping chimneys for over three hundred years Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The Tribal Banchees dance troupe take a break outside the castle in Rochester Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Eden Capeling 8, poses dressed as a chimney sweep Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Myra Moran poses for a photograph while taking part in the festival Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Plug from the Wolf's Head and Vixen Morris dance team Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

A boy dressed as a horse takes part in the annual parade Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Jim Snelling from the Motley Morris dance team Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Dee Mutton from the Tribal Banchees dance troupe Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

A trio of Morris dancers have a quick drink and a sit down Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images