Dame Kelly Holmes will fire the pistol at the start of the first dragon boat race in her hometown.

The double gold medallist, who is from Hildenborough, will give the signal at 10am on Sunday, June 23, which will also mark the beginning of the one-day festival, A Taste of Tonbridge.

More than 40 stalls will fill the town’s High Street and visitors will be welcomed with live music, cooking demonstrations, a dog show and street entertainers.

Various charities and community groups will have stands along River Walk.

Dame Kelly, who will launch the race from the big bridge over the River Medway, said: “I’m really looking forward to the event, it promises to be a brilliant way to bring together the community this summer and celebrate everything Tonbridge has to offer.

“The Dragon Boat Race should be great fun and quite a spectacle. ; I know there has been a huge team effort to make the event happen.”

The High Street will be closed between junctions for Avebury Avenue and Castle Street, from 6am to 6pm.