The Battle of Medway commemorations got underway this morning at Upnor Castle.

The start of two weeks of events started at the historic site when a fleet of Dutch vessels sailed up the River Medway.

The commemorations mark the 350th anniversary of the battle when a Dutch fleet of ships stole their way up the River Medway and launched a daring attack on the English naval fleet moored at the dockyard in Chatham.

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In the battle that ensued, the English ships were destroyed and the River Medway was engulfed in flames.

It led to huge investment in new ships and dockyard facilities, laying the foundations for British supremacy at sea for the next 200 years.

VIDEO: The Battle of Medway

Now all’s fair in love and war as Dutch visitors will be welcomed with open arms by Medway folk, as part of the anniversary celebrations of what became a pivotal – if lesser known – time in naval history.

Two weeks of events, which not only mark the battle but also the relationship between the Dutch and English, will reach an explosive climax when the Medway will again be lit up, as the action is dramatically relived – expect water screens, projections and fireworks.

They include street festivals, exhibitions, arts and cultural activities and family entertainment bringing people together across Medway and attracting visitors from the UK and abroad.

Some 50 yachts including traditional vessels arrived at Chatham Maritime today.

More are expected to arrive on Wednesday, June 14.

This afternoon, hundreds of people attended a launch event featuring dignitaries at Chatham Maritime.

The grand finale on Saturday, June 17, Medway in Flames, will be held at the battle site on the River Medway at Chatham overlooked by Upnor Castle and the dockyard itself.

The finale can be viewed from Chatham Maritime, at the river wall stretching the distance of Leviathan Way and will be held after 9pm.

From 2pm there will be river entertainment including Army and tug boat displays and jet-skit demonstrations.

There will also be zones around the Dockside Outlet Centre and the Ship and Trades pub where visitors can enjoy live music, food and drink, craft stalls and a funfair.

Medway Council leader, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “It’s important that we remember the history on our doorstep.

"We want to welcome visitors both local and from further afield to Medway to learn, share and be enthused by a large but often forgotten part of English history.”