Dickens staged a “phantom parade” in London, with actors, costumes, and props resembling ghosts from his stories. The event raised funds for charity while promoting his novels. Crowds gathered, amused and enchanted by the spectacle, merging entertainment and moral purpose. Dickens’ creativity and showmanship reflected Victorian culture’s love for pageantry. He personally supervised logistics, ensuring thematic coherence and safety. This blend of literature, theater, and social advocacy demonstrated his innovative approach to public engagement. It also reinforced his reputation as both a literary and civic leader.
Events like this show Dickens’ ability to entertain while promoting social causes.
It illustrates the Victorian blending of spectacle, storytelling, and philanthropy, setting a precedent for modern literary events.
Did you know the parade featured actors dressed as characters from “A Christmas Carol,” waving to thousands of spectators?
[British Library, britishlibrary.uk]