Byers Choice, most notably famous for its line of Dickensian Figurines, will host a weekend jubilee celebrating Charles Dickens 200^th birthday September 14,15 and 16th. News of this event has even reached across the pond, with invitations being extended to the queen herself.  And among the regal guests who will be in attendance is the famous author’s great, great grandson Gerald Charles Dickens.

Through his writings Charles Dickens allows readers to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Victorian London. His ability to immerse the reader into time and place sets the perfect stage for Byers Choice to weave his fiction into reality as they transform their facility into a 19^th century London street market.  Byers Choice will make it possible to walk through the pages of his novels as they bring Dickens characters and places to life.

The street market will be filled with carts and stalls offering British wares such as jewelry, accessories, antiques, and British toys. You will be able to watch demonstrations of British cooking and taste foods such as "Bubble and Squeak” or “Spotted Dick.” Salvation Army soup will be available for lunch, plus get a piece of birthday cake baked by Carlo's Bakery of TLC's "The Cake Boss. Can you taste the difference between British and Bucks Co. beer? Perhaps you would like to try!

Guests will also have a chance to attend the Fezziwig Ball. They will experience a visual extravaganza of Oliver Twist, Scrooge, Santa, animated comedy and carols. Young and old alike will find the event filled with theatrical performances, puppetry, magic and splendid amusements.

And for the first time ever, Byers’ Choice is also releasing all of the Carolers in its “A Christmas Carol” line, available throughout 2012 in honor of Charles. The 12-piece set includes unique Carolers, handmade to replicate Scrooge, Tiny Tim and even Marley’s Ghost. In addition, a Charles Dickens Caroler was also created to mark this important year. Or find your inner artist, and make your own Caroler figurine. All of the figurines will be available to purchase at the Byers’ Choice Gift Emporium throughout the weekend.

“Charles Dickens has been an inspiration in so many of our Caroler designs, it’s only fitting we honor him this year with a full weekend dedicated to his 200^th birthday,” said Joyce Byers, founder, designer and creator of Byers’ Choice. “It is always such a joy to have Gerald here at our Byers’ Choice workshop, and this special anniversary makes his visit even more monumental.”

The weekend of events will be backed with live performances, Dickens-themed activities, Byers’ Choice workshop tours and more. A section of the warehouse will be converted into a theater. Here Gerald Dickens will perform selections from his great-great grandfather’s writings. Other entertainment will include magic lantern shows and “Unlacing the Victorian Woman.” For times and prices for these performances, please check the Dickens Celebration page.

Admission to the event is free and includes activities and events happening along the re-created London street market, however tickets are required for some events. But Patch readers can enter to win tickets by going to the Byers Choice Facebook page. To see details visit: http://www.facebook.com/byerschoice

Byers Choice is located at 4355 County Line Rd in Chalfont, Pa 18914.