Hundreds gather to celebrate 25 years of Maidstone River Park

Hundreds of people came together in Whatman Park on Saturday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Maidstone River Park, marking a quarter of a century since the riverside transformation project first began.

The free community event, funded by Maidstone Borough Council, featured a full afternoon of live entertainment, family activities and local performances. Visitors enjoyed music from the Invicta Jazz Orchestra, Kent Soul Choir, Greenwood and Tow Rag, performances by Hilton Hall Dance Academy, singer Jack Harrison, as well as children's entertainment, market stalls and magician Mark Wood.

The celebrations were officially opened by the Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Brian Clark.

One of the most memorable parts of the anniversary was the return of residents whose handprints were placed in the park when it first opened 25 years ago.

Among those attending were sisters Charlotte Gilham and Alice Bright, who recreated a photograph taken beside their childhood handprints. Another local resident, Bradley Atkinson, revisited his own plaque and reflected on recognising many of the names from growing up in Maidstone, showing how the park has remained part of local life for an entire generation.

Community groups also joined the celebrations, including members of the San Fairy Ann Cycling Club, which has supported the park by sponsoring a commemorative plaque.

Over the past 25 years, Maidstone River Park has developed into a network of riverside parks, walking routes, wildlife habitats and open green spaces along the River Medway. The project has become one of the borough's best-known public spaces, welcoming millions of visitors since its creation.

Organisers said the anniversary was designed not only to celebrate the physical improvements to the river corridor but also the personal memories and community connections created there over the years.

The anniversary forms part of a wider programme of events celebrating the park throughout the summer, including a River Park art exhibition, sketch and cruise activities, and free bandstand concerts in Brenchley Gardens.

For more information about the anniversary programme and upcoming events, visit the original announcement on the Maidstone Borough Council website: Maidstone River Park celebrates 25 years