In 1937, to commemorate the centenary of the author's first visit, Gladys Waterer, the then owner of Dickens House, conceived the idea of putting on a production of David Copperfield and of having people about the town in Victorian dress to publicise it. Thus the festival was born and, with the exception of the years of World War 2, has been held annually in the third week of June ever since
http://www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk/events.html
There is a brilliant dvd hire shop in Brick Lane. I found a good selection of Carles Dickens films there; it also has excellent Shakespeare and other classics. They are dedicated to increasing their already huge stock, and are non profit making. Hire is £3 or £10 per month for unlimited hire. DO VISIT.