Town’s river gala ‘will be most magnificent in 40-year history’
Wacky raft races and fireworks display to return to waterway
It’s back! After a two-year break for Covid, the Maidstone River Festival returns to the County Town this month.
Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the banks of the Medway where there will be fun both on and off the water.
River Festival chairman Dave Naghi promised: “This is going to be the most magnificent festival ever in its 40 year history.”
The fun kicks off at midday on Saturday, when the Mayor of Maidstone will set off a maroon to launch proceedings.
There will be live music, dance and drama all day from a stage at Lockmeadow, with additional entertainment centred around The Old Boat, the Thai Orchid restaurant and the Kentish Lady cruiser.
Children’s entertainment will be centred around the Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre.
On the river, the big attraction will be the raft race at 2.30pm. A motley collection of crews will attempt to navigate a 650m
course on rafts of their own design. They will race from the high-level railway bridge to the Archbishop’s Palace, in a bid to win the coveted trophy.
Each team has paid an entry fee of a £50 donation to the Heart of Kent Hospice to take part.
A presentation ceremony will be held at 5pm, after the
entrants have dried out a little
Mr Naghi said: “Most rafts make it over the start line, not all of them reach the finish line, but everyone has a lovely time.”
The river festival will raise money for the Young Lives Foundation and MADM (Making a Difference to Maidstone).
Mr Naghi said: “This is very
much a community event for the people of Maidstone.
“It is run by volunteers – not by Maidstone council – and we very much hope everyone will come along and join in the fun.”
During the day the nearby All Saints Church will welcome visitors with tea and a chance to view the plaque of George
Washington’s ancestor, Laurence Washington, featuring the Stars and Stripes motif that later became America’s flag.
And also the Maidstone Carriage Museum, opposite the church, will be making a rare opening, between 11am - 4pm. It offers an insight into the old palace and its history and has one of the best collections of carriages in Europe.
Throughout the day, an historic Number 26 Maidstone Corporation bus will be giving rides between All Saints and the Gallagher Stadium.
The festival will conclude with a fabulous firework display set off from the roof of Fremlin Walk at 10pm.
In addition, there is a £100 prize being offered to the member of the public who takes the best photograph of the River Festival. Send your entries to clairey@maidstone riverfestival.com
They will be judged by the Mayor of Maidstone and the winner announced a week after the event.
To enter the raft race contact Steve Paine on 07906 271325.