Level up your gaming skills with a trip to the Medway Gaming and Creative Festival at the Historic Dockyard Chatham this summer.

The festival, which has become one of the county’s biggest gaming events, will take place on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17.

Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to learn all about their favourite games, meet special guests from the industry, experience both new and retro games and get hands-on with fun exhibits.

Medway’s former Royal Navy Dockyard, in partnership with Medway Council, will transform into a maze of huge interactive gaming areas for the weekend.

“Last year’s Gaming and Creative Festival was such a great success that we couldn’t wait to hold it again this year,” says Cllr Alan Jarrett, Leader of Medway Council. “We had some fantastic feedback following the first festival and this year promises to be even better with a jam-packed weekend full of wonderful events and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.”

Children can explore the gaming halls and play a variety of kids’ games, while those who are young at heart can revisit the beloved games of their own childhood. Visitors can also experience a new generation of games in the virtual reality zones.

“There will, of course, be plenty for children and young people to discover and take part in as we continue to develop our commitment to making Medway even more child-friendly,” adds the council leader, who recently committed to invest an additional £6.1million in the area’s Children’s Services.

“I hope that this event becomes a family-favourite in our fantastic Medway events calendar.”

For those who really know their Mario Kart from their Minecraft, there will also be a range of competitions for visitors to prove their gaming prowess.

If you don’t fancy grabbing a controller on the day, there are still plenty of fascinating activities to take part in.

You can enjoy the military show - an interactive experience that links the work of the forces with the gaming industry - or discover the new games, technology and experiences being created at the Creating Games Exhibition.

You can also stop by the Creative Arts Exhibition and see the work of artists from within the community who have created special pieces for the weekend.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Hall will play host to guests from local universities, colleges, military and businesses, all of whom hope to showcase how STEM plays a part in the creative process. You can meet experts and find out how these core subjects can inspire the future of gaming.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Medway Council to host the Medway Gaming and Creative Festival at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this July,” says Chatham Historic Dockyard chief executive Richard Morsley. “Visitors to the festival will experience a fascinating juxtaposition of the futuristic world of gaming, set against 400-years of maritime history.

“Where else can you play video games next to a real life Second World War Destroyer or Cold War Submarine?”

Tickets are on sale now and must be booked in advance. Tickets cost £16 for adults and £10 for children and give full access to all areas of the festival and selected galleries within the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Book tickets online here.