Parking is free in Medway Council car parks tomorrow, Sunday and Monday.

There will also be a bonus parking day on Saturday, December 21.

The council has brought forward the dates of the majority of free parking days this year after listening to local businesses who asked for an earlier start.

Cllr Phil Filmer, in charge of frontline services, said: “I hope these free parking days will provide shoppers with an extra incentive to visit Medway’s high streets and give our local shops and businesses a boost.”

Tomorrow is also the first day of the Christmas market in Rochester.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls containing affordable gifts and enjoy a range of refreshments and music. For the younger shoppers, there will be a fun fair, face painting and the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

The market will be in the Castle Gardens on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 8pm.

You can also go along on Friday, December 6 (11am to 8pm). Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 (10am to 8pm) and Friday, December 13, Saturday December 14 and Sunday, December 15 (11am to 8pm).

The City of Rochester Society craft fair will be set up in the castle moat off Boley Hill selling handmade Christmas gifts from December 6 to 8 and and December 13 to 15.

• Details of all of Medway’s public car parks are at www.medway.gov.uk/parkingoptions