Queenborough’s Independence Day was so successful it could lead to a full twinning arrangement with the Dutch town of Brielle.

Thousands of visitors swarmed into the historic Sheppey town on Saturday to remember the Dutch Navy’s invasion of the Medway 350 years ago and to celebrate Holland handing back the town to the British 50 years ago.

A civic party of four from Holland, led by Brielle mayor Gregor Rensen helped celebrate and partied into the night as Sheppey band Beggars Belief played in the Elephant Park.

The Sheppey Pirates, disguised as Dutch sailors on board the X Pilot, led a flotilla of boats, many which had sailed from Holland, to the all-tide landing. Dutch and Union flags were exchanged in a ceremony in the park.

Queenborough mayor Cllr Mick Constable said: “It was a brilliant day and sowed the seeds for a new twinning agreement. The Dutch were amazed by our community spirit and lack of the need for police and suggested exchange visits for school children.

“It would be nice to return to when the towns had a thriving twinning association with families visiting each other and learning about different cultures. I am hoping to visit Brielle later in the year.

“There is much in common between the two towns. We both had potteries, we both have a rowing club and a community centre like Castle Connections and we both had minesweepers stationed with us during the war.”

He added: “The mayor of Brielle actually apologised for what the Dutch Navy did 350 years ago but added that there were a lot of invasions going on at the time!”

The day was arranged by a committee comprising Queenborough Yacht Club, Queenborough Rowing Club, the Town Council, Kevin Burgess of the Flying Dutchman and Swale councillor Cameron Beart. It is hoped the Independence Day celebrations will become an annual event.

All the pubs staged entertainment with Brad Pittance and the Pirates at the Rose, sea shanties at the Admiral’s Arm, Keval at the Old House at Home and Blues Brothers tribute act Brother Jake at the Flying Dutchman.

Other entertainment included magician David Masters, the Island Allstars Baton Twirling Academy, Big Fish Arts, Allan Milton as Roy Orbison tribute act Roy Orpington and the BRfm Roadshow.