The Battle of Medway festival celebrates the 350th anniversary of the battle in June 2017 which sees two weeks of Dutch-themed events that cover arts and culture, heritage, maritime, sports and exhibitions.
Here is a taste of what arts and culture activities are on offer:
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Of fireships and iron
Friday 2 June to Saturday 28 August 2017 at Rochester Art Gallery and Rochester Cathedral
Five Medway based artists, all pushing the boundaries of contemporary printmaking, will be showing their work in a special split site exhibition as part of the Medway Print festival 2017. The artists are using a collection of 18th century Dutch prints as inspiration for a new body of work that explores the location, history and stories of the Dutch raid.
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Medway print festival
Friday 9 June to 25 June 2017 at 12 venues throughout Medway
Take the time to enjoy the second annual celebration of all things print. The event promises to bring an exciting array of over 30 workshops, activities, talks and exhibitions to Medway, celebrating the strong local tradition of both contemporary and historic printmaking in the area. Running for two weeks across 12 venues, the festival will showcase some of the best printmaking being created today as well as highlighting the fascinating history of the medium.
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The Dutch are Coming! Writing fact and fiction about the Anglo-Dutch wars
Thursday 8 June 2017, 7.30pm at Gillingham Library
Enjoy a talk by naval historian, J D Davies who'll reveal the reasons why the two countries went to war with each other three times.
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Dickens Festival
Friday 9 to Sunday 11 June 2017, 10am to 6pm in Rochester High Street
This major festival commemorates the life of Charles Dickens and celebrate his links with Medway. Watch as Rochester High Street fills with colourful characters and transforms into a Victorian themed feast of parades, readings, street entertainment and much more.
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Dutch tile painting
Saturday 10 June 2017, 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 4pm at Rochester Community Hub
Come along to our Victorian craft fair where local artist Wendy Daws will teach you all about Dutch tile painting. The workshop is inspired by the Delft tiles inside Eastgate House, which opens later this summer. The sessions are free and are suitable for families. There is no need to book in advance.
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Stories and crafts with Samuel Squeak (under 8's)
Saturday 17 June 2017 at Chatham, Gillingham, Strood and Rochester libraries
Hear how Samuel Squeaks escaped the plague and ended up in Medway 350 years ago – and meet him in person. This story telling session mixed with arts and crafts is not to be missed.
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Medway in Flames
Saturday 17 June 2017 from 2pm to 10.30pm on the River Medway
Don't miss out on this spectacular public event on the River Medway. The event will feature water screens, digital projection, characters and fireworks to depict the Dutch Raid and is guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.
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Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy Concert
Friday 9 June 2017, 7.30pm at the St George's Centre, Chatham
The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy will hold a concert and play several numbers together in various styles. The concert will comprise of a pleasant, musical travel through time which will take you from the 17th Century with the Great Dutchman, to Robbie Williams and Sting.
