Between 8 and 17 June Medway Council and partners commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Dutch raid of 1667 with a 10-day spectacular of naval and ship visits, street festivals, exhibitions, arts and cultural activities and family entertainment.

Kent is proud to be a co-sponsor and we encourage staff and students to visit the festival website for the full events listing.

Festival highlights include:
8 June: Launch event – tickets for the parade and joint performance by the Royal Marines and Dutch Marine Band at the Dockyard are available.

8 June – arrival of up to 50 yachts

9 June onwards: Breaking the Chain Exhibition – a rare opportunity to see some of the most important paintings and documents associated with the Battle of Medway, with exhibits from international collections.

10 June: Marine band concert – travel through time from 17th Century with the Great Dutchman, to Robbie Williams and Sting

10-11 June: An exclusive opportunity to see life on board British and Dutch naval vessels

10-11 June: The Dutch are coming – step back in time to 1667 with family friendly re-enactments and a new exhibition at Upnor Castle

14 June: A further 100 offshore sailing yachts will arrive on the river

17 June: Medway In Flames – a fantastic light and sound show involving film, water screens, pyrotechnics and a spectacular firework display on the river.

Find out more at www.medway.gov.uk/bom

Public lecture

A leading expert on the Anglo-Dutch maritime wars of the 17th century will give a public lecture on 30 June. This forms part of a three-day conference organised by the University of Kent and the Historic Dockyard Chatham.