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Maidstone River Festival attracts crowds to banks of Medway

18:28, 29 July 2023

updated: 08:15, 31 July 2023

A town’s annual river festival is in full swing.

There are scores of boats lined up along the riverbank in Maidstone town centre. There’s a children’s fun fair in the grounds of Lockmeadow and live music entertainment alternating from two stages there.

Crowds line the riverbank
Crowds line the riverbank
Scores of boats line the river - some of them a bit spooky
Scores of boats line the river - some of them a bit spooky
A scene from the raft race
A scene from the raft race
There's a children's funfair
There's a children's funfair

A craft market is operating in the Market Hall with a chance to buy exotic breads, cheeses, cakes and drinks.

All Saints Church opened its doors to visitors earlier, who were given the rare chance to climb the spiral stone staircase to the roof of the church tower to admire the view.

Meanwhile, the Carriage Museum was open with a chance to view Maidstone’s unique collection of carriages and landaus, donated by Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake.

Maidstone Musem has been playing host to a Steam Punk festival and an old Maidstone Corporation double-decker has been giving people free rides between All Saints and the Gallaghers Football Stadium.

The river raft race has already taken place, but the live music goes on until 8,30pm and then at 9pm there is a parade of illuminated paddle boards up the river.

One of the many live acts: Musn't Grumble
One of the many live acts: Musn't Grumble
Some of the many community tents
Some of the many community tents
Steam punks: Jackie and Nigel Alford from Larkfield
Steam punks: Jackie and Nigel Alford from Larkfield
Keith and Philippa Edwards
Keith and Philippa Edwards
Steam punk enthusiasts Pat Robb and Mike Tillman
Steam punk enthusiasts Pat Robb and Mike Tillman
Festival organiser Dave Naghi with the Mayor of Maidstone Gordon Newton
Festival organiser Dave Naghi with the Mayor of Maidstone Gordon Newton

Finally at 10pm comes the grand finale, a spectacular fireworks display that will send bursts of colour and noise across the town.

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