Gillingham is turning Japanese this weekend, celebrating one of its own, Will Adams.

Intrepid Will grew up in Gillingham during Tudor times and went on to become a sailor in the Royal Navy.

While navigating a fleet of five Dutch ships from West Africa his ship ran aground on the island of Kyushu in Japan, where he was captured, questioned and imprisoned as a pirate.

After being ordered to sail to Tokyo, the Shogun was impressed with his nautical knowledge and he went on to become a trusted aide and getting the title of Samurai.

A free festival, held each year to celebrate his life, will be at Gillingham Park on Saturday, September 8 from 11am to 4.30pm. There will be celebrations of maritime history, Japanese culture in the 17th and 21st century, Taiko Meantime Drumming, martial arts, living history and storytelling.

Dogs are welcome on leads. There is limited parking around the park.

For more details of what’s on go to enjoymedway.org