Maidstone River Park Celebrates 25 Years With Summer of Events Along the Medway

Celebrations have officially begun to mark the 25th anniversary of Maidstone River Park, with community groups, businesses and local leaders gathering on the River Medway this week to launch a summer-long programme of events.

The anniversary was marked with a special evening cruise aboard the Kentish Lady, bringing together organisations connected to the river and the park, including local cultural groups, businesses and event organisers. The celebrations will continue throughout the summer before culminating in a major Silver Anniversary event later this year.

Martin Round described the River Medway as one of Maidstone’s greatest assets and encouraged both residents and visitors to take part in the celebrations. Over the last 25 years, the River Park has become one of the town’s best-known outdoor spaces, linking riverside paths, green areas, play spaces and community venues across a 12-kilometre stretch running from Teston Country Park through the town centre and towards Kent Life.

Originally developed between 1998 and 2001 with support from the Millennium Commission, the project transformed large parts of the riverside into accessible public spaces that are now heavily used for walking, cycling, running, events and recreation. Areas such as Whatman Park and the Riverstage have since become central parts of community life in Maidstone.

As part of the anniversary programme, Maidstone Borough Council is now asking people who were involved in the original creation of the River Park to come forward. This includes volunteers, fundraisers, sponsors, planners and residents whose names or handprints are connected to the site. The council hopes to recognise those early contributors during the anniversary celebrations.

A number of major events are already planned for the summer, including a free family celebration in Whatman Park on 18 July featuring live entertainment, community stalls and riverside activities. The popular Maidstone River Festival will also return on 25 July with raft races, decorated boats, performances and a fireworks finale.

Further information about the anniversary programme and upcoming events can be found on Visit Maidstone.