The book tells the story of orphan Oliver Twist who endures a miserable life in a workhouse where he famously asked for ‘more’ dinner. He is then placed with an undertaker before escaping to London where he meets the Artful Dodger, leader of a gang of young pickpockets, and their criminal trainer, Fagin.

Costumed characters from the Sundial Theatre Company will re-enact scenes from the popular book, while children can take part in street games and activities with the Artful Dodger and his gang. The townsfolk have also been busy making scarecrows based on the book characters, which visitors will be asked to find and identify.

Everyone who is dressed-up can take part in a competition to find the best Oliver or Olivia costume, and the best other character from the book, with the winners receiving a prize portrait taken by the Town’s photographer in their outfits.

Oliver Twist, or The Parish Boy’s Progress, was initially published in monthly instalments from February 1837, the same year that the Town’s beloved Queen Victoria came to the throne.

Open 10am until 5pm on Saturday 23 August and 10am-6pm on Sunday and Monday 24 and 25 August, Blists Hill is one of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums. A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowing entry into the Town and the other nine Ironbridge Gorge Museums, valid for twelve months and unlimited return visits, costs £27.50 per adult, £21 for the 60 plus, £16.50 for students and children and £68 for a family of two adults and all their children aged up to 18 years in full time education (terms and conditions apply); under 5s free. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee. Individual museum entry tickets are also available.