A firework fiesta filled the skies of Medway as the 2012 cultural Olympiad began.

Rockets were launched at exactly 20.12 to mark the finale of a free event held at Rochester Castle to celebrate the official launch.

Just minutes before the fireworks display, the castle was transformed by a giant cinema screen which showed a specially commissioned film featuring thousands of Medway residents.

The film entitled Welcome To Medway, was shot throughout the summer and includes footage of individuals, club members and mass participation events such as Race For Life, the Dickens Festival, Mini Youth Games, Fuse Festival and the Medway Mile.

It was produced by local film maker Gary Weston and will be used to promote Medway nationally and internationally as both a first class tourist destination and a sporting centre of excellence.

The night also included displays by Sagarmatha Tae Kwon-Do display team and the Kyushin Ryu Ju Jitsu Association, plus music from Hold Tight.

It is estimated that 1,000 people, both young and old, attended Saturday night’s launch.

Helen Cockersole, Medway Council’s deputy 2012 manager, said: “It went really well and there was a great atmosphere.

“The event was a great way to kick-start the cultural Olympiad in Medway and launch the film Welcome to Medway."