Organisers of events across Kent are worried the rail strikes will have a negative impact on visitor numbers today.

There will be no trains running on the Southeastern network from any Kent stations at all today because of the industrial action.

ASLEF, the trade union for train drivers, announced the action involving nine companies as the firms failed to reach an agreement with workers over pay rises.

Workers are striking because they want a pay offer to help keep pace with the increase in the cost of living.

As a result, Southeastern is warning passengers not to attempt to travel by train as there will also be no rail replacement buses or taxis available.

It's not just Kent that is impacted, there will also be no Southeastern trains, including Highspeed services, at any stations in East Sussex or south-east London.

Drivers are also being warned to expect severe congestion on the roads, with the AA issuing its first-ever amber traffic warning.

Dover and Folkestone are due to bear the brunt of the congestion, which is set to peak between 11am and 3pm.

Moya Taylor, the event manager behind Kent's quirky four-day Chickenstock music festival, admitted she was worried how Saturday's rail strike could affect attendances.

The festival, in a farmer's field between Sittingbourne and Maidstone, opened on Thursday and runs until tomorrow.

It is also suffering from roadworks because a new flyover is being built across the nearby A249 at Stockbury roundabout at Junction 5 of the M2.

She said: "We do have concerns. Several attendees have already been affected but it is a situation completely out of our hands.

"Hopefully, those coming on today will be able to use buses or taxis but due to the roadworks, the bus stop on the A249 by Oad Street has been permanently closed."

Acts performing today include Skinny Lister, Mr Tea and the Minions, Bamboozle, The Jives and Lekiddo - Lord of the Lobsters.

The festival also had 10cc booked for tomorrow but the 70s band has since pulled out.

At 3pm, Gillingham FC will play AFC Wimbledon at The Cherry Red Records Stadium.

The club is reminding supporters travelling to the event to check the roads before they leave home.

A Gills spokesman said: "We will communicate messages to fans.

"We will remind everyone that train strikes are planned so if they are driving to AFC Wimbledon then they need to check travel details before they set off and check parking options in and around the ground.

"We do have three supporter coaches going to the game, all spaces are now sold out."

After a two-year break for Covid, the Maidstone River Festival also returns to the County Town today.

Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the banks of the River Medway where there will be fun both on and off the water, but disruption could make it more difficult for visitors who have to rely on public transport.

"Several attendees have already been affected but it is a situation completely out of our hands ..."

However, River Festival chairman Cllr Dave Naghi encourages anyone already in Maidstone to stay local.

He said: "If the strikes do go ahead people could just decide to stay in Maidstone and enjoy the River Festival.

"The raft race at 2.30pm and the Fireworks are always very popular.

"Also the entertainment stage at Lockmeadow is and worth a look.

"My advice would be just stay in Maidstone."

Also in Maidstone today is the Steampunk Festival at Maidstone Museums which starts at 10am.

Visitor experience officer Ian says he is hoping the strikes won't have an impact.

He said: "The majority of people that come here seem to either come by bus, or by their own transport, or already live in Maidstone.

"But obviously it will have some effect, because there will be people that might have been coming by train that they won't be able to now, same with the River Festival.

"It didn't have that much effect the other day for us, but again that wasn't a weekend - this is on the Saturday so it might be different."

A spokesman from Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) said: "MBC appreciates that travelling during railway industrial action is difficult and while there may be delays to journeys, there are other active transport routes to take, along with our car parks in and around the town centre to use.

"MBC hopes that visitors will attend and enjoy the brilliant events that Maidstone has to offer this weekend, including The Maidstone River Festival, Steampunk Festival at Maidstone Museum, Glitterbomb in the fabulous Mote Park and Invicta Jazz Orchestra performing in Brenchley Gardens on Sunday.

"The forecast looks like it will be great weather and we really hope you will be able to come and enjoy a wonderful weekend here in Maidstone – the County Town of Kent."