by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

A popular river festival will reach beyond the riverbank for the first time in its history as part of celebrations to mark its 30th anniversary.
Maidstone River Festival will be 30 years old next month, and events are planned over two days along the banks of the River Medway and, for the first time, at Whatman Park, to celebrate.
The event, to be held on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, will have an 80s theme, to recognise that the festival started in 1980.
The Friday is the warm-up to the main event on Saturday, with a range of art and craft stalls, entertainment and music, and there will be a fairground both days at the Lockmeadow Centre.
On the Saturday there will be the usual festival events, including a raft race, illuminated boat parade and firework finale.

Last year's event, pictured, was extremely popular.
David Knight, chairman, said: “We are planning a party to remember.
“We are expecting more than 200 boats to line the river, many decorated in our theme of the 1980s. This is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Maidstone to come down and enjoy a day by the river.”
There will be live music on the River Festival Stage next to St Peter’s Bridge, and the HRM SoundStage on the town side of the river on Saturday, and with the help of Maidstone Lions Club, a family area is being organised in Whatman Park.
If your community group would like to be involved, call Malcolm Luxton on 01795 841439, or if your business would like to provide sponsorship, call Martin Cox on 08454 673258. You can also visit the website for more information at www.maidstoneriverfestival.com