Thousands of people are enjoying the finale of the Battle Of Medway commemorations at Chatham Maritime today.

The Medway in Flames event is the climax to a 10-day event marking a key part of Kent’s history.

Medway in Flames event features a whole host of attractions including water screens, projections and later there will be a spectacular fireworks display over the River Medway.

The festivities are part of a programme of events which aim to dramatically relive the Battle of Medway when Dutch ships launched a surprise attack on the English naval fleet moored at Chatham dockyard 350 years ago.

Events kicked off at 2pm today in Chatham Maritime and near to the Ship & Trades pub, the Outlet Centre and Chatham Historic Dockyard.

Youngsters had a great time cooling down in the heat when they took advantage of water activities including dinghy rides, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

These activities were put on by the Arethusa Venture Centre and Medway Watersports Trust.

At 3.15pm there was also a splash in the water as the Splash Dog water display did its stuff in the marina.

People could enjoy ice creams, chat to giant sailors or see pirates at the event which also includes two stages to hear good live music and mill around the many food stalls.

At 5.30pm there will be a sail past by ships and displays of tugs and jet skis and the evening finale will see water screens, a digital projection, characters from history, pyrotechnics, special effects and fireworks.

Visitors will be able to watch the displays free of charge by the side of the River Medway.

The Dutch raid, which is said to have set the River Medway on fire, led to huge investment in new ships and dockyard improvements, laying the foundations for Britannia to rule the waves for the next 200 years.

Commemorations to mark the 350th anniversary began last week with tall ships and plenty of pomp and ceremony at Chatham Historic Dockyard as Dutch royalty and locals watched the start of the festivities.

A collection of Dutch and British art, historic manuscripts and objects on loan from around the world are on display to coincide with the commemorations at the Chatham Historic Dockyard.

Entitled Breaking the Chain, it will run at the dockyard until Sunday, September 3.