Thousands of visitors will be descending on Medway to celebrate the nation’s armed forces, past, present and future later this year.

Chatham’s Historic Dockyard was chosen from five other bidders to host the National Armed Forces event at a ceremony last Thursday.

A number of activities will take place across the Towns in the week leading up to the main day including a modern Army display at the Royal Engineers Museum and a show at the Central Theatre, Chatham.

The celebrations will culminate with a national service of thanksgiving in Rochester Cathedral on Sunday, June 28.

Dockyard bosses promise the day itself will be the biggest event in Medway in living memory.

Bill Fowler, from the Historic Dockyard Trust, said: “The Ministry of Defence is determined we will have the best possible displays that are available. It will be a huge, open-air affair of bands, military displays, have-a-go activities, military and aircraft activities over the river and major arena events.

“We are looking at having a Royal Naval warship open to the public and the chance for visitors to drive an Army digger or try mine detecting. There will be a tri-service parade along Dock Road and we are hoping for a Royal visit.”

Mr Fowler said there was potential for a river front festival, extending right the way from Medway Council’s offices, through the dockyard, to [regeneration agency] SEEDA land beyond. “That way we can accommodate up to 80,000 people, with over a kilometre of river front displays and other attractions,” he added.

There would be a very strong family element. Parents would be encouraged to take children along.

Mr Fowler added: “We hope that in years to come people will look back and say what a wonderful day they had.”

“All veterans, former dockyard veterans and serving members of the armed forces will get free access.

“We are considering other measures to ensure the public find it very easy and very economic to get into the event.”

Medway clubs and groups are being encouraged to get involved in the celebrations.

Mr Fowler said: “It won’t be an event that is entirely put on and run by the armed forces. If there are any groups or organisations out there who want to be involved I can’t promise that we can accommodate every one of them but if somebody comes forward with an idea we feel sits nicely with the whole ethos of the event, we will consider it.”

He added: “The day will be open for everyone to be involved. So we are saying to the people of Medway 'Get in touch if you think you can offer something to the event. We are all ears’.”