Exciting Events Programme for The Historic Dockyard Chatham in 2008

An exciting programme of events to appeal to a wide range of visitors has been announced for 2008 at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. All offer great value for money and fantastic additional reasons to visit throughout the year whether for day trips or as part of a short break.

The Medway Festival of Steam & Transport takes place on Easter Sunday and Monday 23rd and 24th March, where hundreds of transport displays fill the site at what is probably the south east's best show of this kind.

On 5th July The Historic Dockyard again hosts a special Veterans Day. The themes for this year are the 100th Anniversaries of both the building of submarines at Chatham and of the Territorial Army. The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines will be on Parade and also play for a separately ticketed Beat Retreat Ceremony in the early evening.

At Salute to the '40s on 20th and 21st September visitors step back in time to the Dockyard of the 1940s and enjoy a fantastic weekend of nostalgia, wartime experiences and entertainment. In just two years this has become a firm favourite with many visitors.

Throughout the year there are visits to The Historic Dockyard by car clubs with their own special vehicles providing added interest for visitors. The Alfa Romeo Club's Alfa Day is on 13th April, the European Stag Clubs Rally on 11th May and the Porsche Club GB on 20th July. The Scammell Register South of England Road Run and Rally on 11th & 12th October will be of interest to fans of Heavy Haulage.

For families and younger visitors 'Pirates at Chatham!' on Sunday 25th and Monday 26th May and 'Smugglers' on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August provide themed events with lots of added activities and entertainment. And The Boys' Brigade is celebrating its 125th Anniversary with a special Celebration Day at The Historic Dockyard on Saturday 31st May with marching bands and brass bands together with many other displays and activities for everyone to enjoy.

In addition, once a month from April to November throughout the year there are 'Dockyard in Steam' and 'Diesels in the Dockyard' weekends when the Dockyard's own locomotives can be seen rumbling through the 'yard.

All these events are in addition to the wonderful maritime heritage presented by the galleries, attractions and buildings of The Historic Dockyard Chatham, which of course can be visited on non-event days as well.

Special Event pricing applies to the Medway Festival of Steam & Transport and Salute to the '40s weekend and return visits with 12 month tickets are not valid for these two events. All other event dates mentioned above are at normal admission prices and return visits with 12 month tickets are valid. Group Rates are available for visiting on event and non-event days. For further information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk .