The wait is over for Islanders looking forward to an annual three-day celebration of Sheppey’s history and heritage.

Promenade Festival starts today and there are dozens of events planned from then through to Sunday.

This year’s theme is Beowulf – Saxons and Vikings, and venues across the Island are hosting a series of activities.

Among things on offer are history talks, a costumed parade, a book signing, exhibitions, readings at a church, plays, walks, film showings and much more.

A Shurland the Sheep trail has been launched which will see models of the animals set up across Sheppey.

People had their last to chance to get involved on Monday at a workshop which was held at the Isle of Sheppey Academy’s west site in Sheerness.

Other highlights are likely to be a Viking ship-building at Barton’s Point Coastal Park, Sheerness, followed by a burning of the ship and a Viking banquet on Saturday.

• For the full programme with prices and timings, go to www.sheppeypromenade.org or the Times Guardian office window.
• Memories of Queenborough’s Past and Its People historical talk at Castle Connections, Railway Terrace, will be held at 10am on Saturday and not 11am as previously advertised.