You’re warmly invited to join us on Saturday 26th July for a special day celebrating the River Medway and everything she gives us.
This summer, from 19th to 27th July, Friends of the River Medway (FORM) are leading a pilgrimage along the Medway – From Source to Sea – a nine-day journey that follows the river’s meandering course. Our aim is to deepen our connection with the river, unite the communities shaped by her waters, and spark lasting, meaningful change for her future.
On the penultimate day, 26th July, we’ll gather in Rochester and Chatham for a vibrant day of activities that reflect the three core streams of our work: The Practical, The Legal, and The Sacred.
The Practical: Caring for the River Together
Our day will begin with a direct, practical approach to looking after the River Medway. We’ll begin with a litter pick along the foreshore in partnership with the Friends of the Esplanade and Churchfields, followed by a talk on how individual efforts can grow into powerful collective action. You’ll also have the opportunity to make a personal commitment by pledging to become a Friend of the River Medway, symbolised by a special badge to honour your promise.
The Legal: Championing the River’s Rights
As the Rights of Nature movement gains momentum around the globe, we invite you to explore the concept of Rights of Rivers and discover how legal recognition can safeguard waterways across the country. Join us in taking personal and collective pledges to support the River Medway’s rights, helping to build a future where the health and wellbeing of our river are protected by law.
The Sacred: Honouring the River
In the spirit of friendship and honouring the river as a living presence, knowing that there can be no life without it, we will gather for a ceremony of gratitude. Held in the peaceful setting of Rochester Castle Gardens, the ceremony will be a blend of practices from the Ancient Wealdland Way and Andean Despacho. Together, we will weave flowers and natural offerings into a communal art piece, which will be returned to the River Medway as a heartfelt gift.
As our Sacred Stream emphasises connecting with the River in unique ways, we will also be hosting a community-led art exhibition that celebrates the Medway as Our Muse and a workshop that invites participants to Listen to the River and as the River.
Fed by the Medway: Tasting the River’s Richness
The day will conclude with the Medway Feast – a shared celebration of the vibrant, seasonal produce cultivated throughout the Medway basin. Join us to enjoy dishes that draw upon the River’s generous gift while honouring the strong bond between the Medway, the land, and the communities that live beside her banks.
Full Programme of Events
9:30am to 10:45am – River Clean Up with Friends of the Esplanade & Churchfields
📍 Meet at Rochester Pier 🎟 Please email hello@formedway.org to register
11:00am to 12:00pm – How Can we Care for the River? A Workshop Exploring Practical Ways to do Positive Things for Rrivers with Sarah Butler
Talk and discussion on how we can support the River through everyday and collective action. Includes the opportunity to pledge as a Friend of the River Medway.
📍 Rochester Castle Gardens
12:00–1:00pm – Picnic Lunch
Please bring your own food and join us on the grass.
📍 Rochester Castle Gardens
1:00–3:00pm – Honouring the River Through Ancient Traditions
A riverside ceremony of gratitude with J Julia & Ellen Kittredge
📍 Rochester Castle Gardens
3:00–4:00pm – Walk Together from Rochester to Chatham
4:00pm – The Medway as Our Muse Art Exhibition Opens
A community celebration of the River.
📍 Sun Pier House
4:00–6:00pm – Listening to the River — and as the River with Greenwich University
Immersive listening sessions. 📍 Sun Pier House 🎟 Pre-booking necessary (free ticket)
6:00–6:30pm – Reflections from the Pilgrimage with Friends of the River Medway
Stories and insights on the journey so far.
📍 Sun Pier House
6:30pm–8:30pm – Fed by the MedwayA shared meal made with food grown in the Medway basin and celebration of all that the River gives.
📍 Sun Pier House 🎟 Pre-booking necessary (free ticket)
