Our annual community sporting events encourage you to get more active and lead healthy lifestyles. The 2 events are free to enter and include a range of family fun activities to include everyone on the day.
The Big Splash
The Big Splash is a celebration of all things water and the 2026 opening of The Strand Lido and Park.
The event celebrates the whole park and includes sports tasters and park activities, as well as water safety advice.
This years event will take place on Saturday 23 May 2026 at the Strand Lido in Gillingham.
Timetable of events
- 10.30am: 2026 season opening of The Lido and Splashpad
- 10.30am to 2.30pm: Join City of Rochester Lifesaving Club at The Lido for lifesaving and rescue skills
- 11.30am: Official opening of the new Playzone and outdoor table tennis
- 11.30am to 12.15pm community yoga with ZenGem in the picnic area
- 11.30am to 1.30pm: Join The Medway Bluetits (outdoor swimming community) in the Lido
- 11.45am: Family pickleball with Katie B in the Playzone
- 12.15pm: Family multi-sport with Katie B in the Playzone
- 12.45pm: Family dodgeball with Strive in the Playzone
- 1.30pm: Family football skills and drills with Gillingham FC in the Playzone.
Free tennis taster sessions
Free tennis taster sessions will also run throughout the day from:
- 9.30am to 10.15am: Red ball tennis for 4 to 7 year olds
- 10.15am to 11.15am: Orange ball tennis for 8 to 12 year olds
- 11.15am to 12.15am: Adult beginner tennis.
Places are limited, so please book your spot with Katie by emailing katiebtennis@hotmail.com.
Birdwise and RSPB Medway
Our bird and nature experts will be joining us throughout the day with their birdwatch equipment, introducing you to the birds of The River Medway.
Child-friendly Medway
Meet Mojo, the friendly River Medway creature and take part in the family friendly trail.
Save a Baby's Life
The team will be in the park giving valuable first-aid and CPR advice.
RLSS UK
Meet Perry the RLSS Mascot and maybe challenge him to a game of tennis on our new courts.
Medway Council Public Protection
The team will be in the park giving dog ownership, safety and responsibility advice. And also offering free microchip checking as well as giveaways.
The Medway Mile
The Medway Mile is one of the biggest community sporting events in Medway.
The free event brings together thousands of people every summer to:
- complete the mass mile
- get active together
- try something new.
As well as the mass mile, there is also:
- a competitive adult race
- children’s races
- a mascot race
- free sports activities and taster sessions
- inflatables and other entertainment.
This year's event will take place on Friday 17 July 2026 at Medway Park and surrounding areas in Gillingham.
Find out more about the Medway Mile 2026 and how to register.