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Two long-running events attended by thousands of visitors every year are facing the axe as part of proposed budget cuts by a cash-strapped local authority. The English Festival and the Summer Dickens Festival will not go ahead in 2024 under Medway Council’s plans as it seeks to make huge savings to balance its books. As well as cancelling the two events, it is also planning to make cuts to museums, close a visitor centre and increase parking charges. Clare Tierney, vice chair of Rochester City Centre Forum, says businesses recognise the tough financial situation for the authority and want to c…

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