News The river is Maidstone’s gem as Silver Anniversary celebrations set sail
The River Medway was placed firmly in the spotlight this week as the Mayor of Maidstone joined partners and community representatives on board the Kentish Lady to mark the launch of the 25th anniversary celebrations of Maidstone River Park.
The evening river cruise brought together local businesses and organisations that help animate the river and its surroundings, including Maidstone River Park parkrun, One Maidstone Business Improvement District (BID), Maidstone Lit Fest and Kent Life. The cruise marked the official start of a summer‑long programme of events celebrating 25 years of the River Park, culminating in a Silver Celebration later this year.
The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Martin Round, said:
When it comes to Maidstone, one of our greatest assets is this river. It is my hope that residents and visitors take part in these landmark celebrations and take pride in these spaces for generations to come.
Maidstone River Park was created between 1998 and 2001, transforming a 12‑kilometre stretch of riverside from Teston Country Park, through Maidstone town centre, to Allington and Kent Life. Built with support from the Millennium Commission and shaped by community involvement, the park now links rural and urban landscapes with accessible paths, green spaces, play areas and event venues, including Whatman Park and the Riverstage.
Running through the park, the River Medway has been central to Maidstone for centuries, once serving as a major trading route and today providing opportunities for recreation, walking, cycling, wildlife watching and events on and alongside the water.
Nick Kennedy, Chairman of Maidstone River Park Partnership said:
As the largest Millennium project in Kent, we couldn’t let the 25th anniversary go by without marking it in some way.With the support of the borough council and others, there is a great calendar of activities and events coming up throughout the year. We hope as many as possible will join in with the celebrations.
Were you involved in the creation of Maidstone River Park?
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Maidstone Borough Council is keen to hear from individuals, community groups and businesses who were involved in the original creation of Maidstone River Park.
This includes anyone who supported the park in its early days through sponsorship, fundraising, volunteering, design, planning or community activity. This includes those whose names or handprints are imprinted within the park.
The council would like to reconnect with those early supporters and invite them to be recognised as part of the Silver Anniversary celebrations.
Anyone who was involved in the park’s original launch is encouraged to get in touch with details of their involvement.
The Silver Anniversary programme will see a wide range of activity taking place on and alongside the river over the coming months, with a flagship celebration event on Saturday 18 July. The free, family‑friendly day in Whatman Park will feature live music and entertainment on the Riverstage, with community stalls and activities connected to the river.
Maidstone’s partners will also be celebrating, including the Hazlitt Theatre with this year’s outdoor summer performances of ‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’ at the Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre, an exhibition at Creative Maidstone Community Arts Hub, and the return the iconic Maidstone River Festival on Saturday 25 July. The festival will once again bring raft races, performances, decorated boats and a fireworks finale, celebrating both the river and the 25th anniversary of the River Park.
Further information about the Silver Anniversary programme and events can be found at visitmaidstone.com.