by Jess Banham

It's officially the new year but what does 2012 have in store for Kent?

Last year saw street parties for a royal wedding, a golf championship and even a visit from the Queen... but 2012 has even more to look forward to.

First, we have the bicentenary of one of Britain's most recognised authors, Charles Dickens.

A number of events are being organised in Medway - where he was brought up - from readings to murder mystery evenings.

John Knott is chairman of the Dickens Fellowship in Rochester. She said: "We're celebrating Britain's greatest author who's still relevant today.

"He looked at life and studied it carefully and wrote about it warts and all. His story-telling has probably never been surpassed."

In June, there will be another important birthday as the Queen will be celebrating 60 years on the throne.

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent said there are a number of plans to mark the diamond jubileee in our county: "We're hoping across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth there'll be 2012 beacons.

"I've asked every local authority in Kent to have six and I hope that will the absolute minimum."

Also in June, The Royal Engineers in Brompton, Medway will be holding their main event to mark their bicentenary.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Charles Holman said this is a major milestone for the corps: "It's a whole heap of history, there's a real sense of belonging to an organisation which has been around for a long time, and this place has been turning out Royal Engineers soldiers who are the cutting edge of that force for good."

Following that will be the event everybody has been waiting for - as London 2012 is finally launched in July, followed closely by the Paralympics at the end of August.

Brands Hatch will not only have the Olympic torch pass through its racing circuit but the track will also host the Paralympic cycling races.

Kevin Ritson, press officer for Motosport Vision, believes the games are going to be great for Kent.

He added: "It's always good to keep the circuit current and to keep it in people's consciousness.

"A lot of people don't realise the circuit started out as a cycling venue, so it kind of brings it back to its roots and if we can reach out to new audiences that's a great thing."

There is also another big celebration in the world of sport next year as it is a hundred years since Gillingham FC changed their name from New Brompton.

Mark Agate, chairman of Gillingham's supporters club said: "New Brompton was an expanding area but Gillingham was expanding even more. The railway came to Gillingham and it was felt Gillingham recognised a name that was recognised.

I think Gillingham's name will stay, as it is now well recognised throughout football."

So if you thought 2011 was a good year, it looks like 2012 is set to be even better.