Maidstone’s River Festival will be making its traditional splash again this year.

The event, first established in 1980, has been a shadow of its former self in recent years, after Maidstone council withdrew support.

It continued as a boat gathering every summer, with boat owners still mooring up for the period in July.

But with a new committee, this year’s event on Saturday, July 27, sees traditional festival activities return, including the popular raft race, sponsored by Clive Emson, as well as dressed boats and an illuminated boat parade.

There will also be evening fireworks, thanks to sponsorship from housing developer Weston Homes, as well as competitions and games for children, including a fancy dress parade with an under the sea theme.

The River Festival will be on Saturday, July 27, with the fun starting at noon, the raft race at 2pm and the fireworks at 10.30pm, supporting three charities. Details at maidstoneriverfestival.info

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