It sounds like the stuff of fiction: a young sailor, whose ship ran aground and was captured as a pirate, but went on to become a trusted advisor of the leader of the land.

Will Adams' humble origins may have started in Gillingham, but his tale is true.

After joining the Navy, he set sail on the flagship Hope in 1598 and his ship ran aground on the Japanese Island of Kyushu.

Despite being imprisoned, he went on to become the aide and diplomatic advisor to the Shogun, after impressing him with his knowledge of shipbuilding and navigation.

The link he established between Medway and Japan are now celebrated thanks to him, and Medway holds the Will Adams Festival in Gillingham Park each year, which this year will be on Saturday, September 7.

Running from 11am to 4.30pm, there will be traditional Taiko drumming, origami and Japanese martial arts.

There will be a history exhibition on show created by St Mary’s Magdalene Church at Gillingham Green, where Adams was christened.

The aim of the event is to introduce locals to an important part of Medway’s history, and learn about, and experience, today's Japanese culture.

For more information about the festival visit medway.gov.uk/willadams

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