GILLINGHAM will be celebrating the life of its famous son Will Adams at the weekend.

The Will Adams Festival is on at the Black Lion Leisure Centre in Mill Road on Saturday between 11am and 5pm.

A variety of activities are planned, including a performance by the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers.

Their unique style is steeped in the ancient traditions of Taiko and infused with diverse musical influences. Their modern approach has earned them the reputation of Europe's foremost Taiko drummers. They will be playing from 1-2pm. Workshops throughout the day include mask making, Japanese calligraphy, Ikebana (flower arranging), kitsuke (how to wear a kimono) and folk dancing. There will also be demonstrations of judo, ju jitsu, karate, tai chi, kendo and aikido.

Will Adams was born in Gillingham and landed in Japan in 1600 after a five-ship expedition to the Far East. He was later made a Shogun.