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Start the countdown clock – Medway Gaming and Creative Festival announces full programme.

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, in partnership with Medway Council and Fragers, will be playing host to the Medway Gaming and Creative Festival on Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 July at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

The festival has something to appeal to everyone, from gamers and students to families. It is a celebration of all things gaming from video games and gaming culture through to creativity and design, all set against a backdrop of real-life battleships, including HMS Cavalier of World of Warships fame.

The team behind this world-class event are pleased to announce the full programme for the two-day festival:

 Rapture Gaming Hall

  • A vast gaming hall with over 200 gaming stations featuring modern games like Fortnite and Minecraft as well as retro favourites and modern zones with titles such as Streetfighter, Tekken and Smash Bro.
  • Inspiration stage and learning zone with talks and challenges around science, engineering and technology, sponsored by University of Greenwich.
  • Live stage shows on the main stage.
  • Community esports prize tournaments for games like Valorant, League of Legends, Counter Strike Global Offensive, FIFA and Rocket League.
  • Formula 1 simulator racing tournament.
  • British Military esports zone with tournaments, activities simulators, military displays and fun challenges.
  • Game development zone with universities, colleges and publishers including local developer Dovetail Games showcasing content, educational and career opportunities as well as supporting the talks programme on the Inspiration Stage.

 Robot Arena

The Robot Arena will see ferocious fighting machines battle it out in an awesome display of clashing steel in what will be the largest amateur robot arena event in the UK, with 60 teams competing from across the world. Featuring displays from Extreme Robots who will be bringing along the original show robot, Major Damage from BBC 2’s Robot Wars.

 Cosplay Village and Masquerade

The Cosplay Village returns bigger and better than ever in partnership with Costume and Play, with a prize masquerade, sponsored by GetReady Comic (Saturday only) and community masquerade (Sunday only) as well as talks, workshops and photo opportunities with some of the best cosplayers from across UK. Special guests include Spin Dash Dude and Naomi Fenton.

 Creative Arts Hall

Featuring a gallery of original art created just for the festival, Art of Dungeons and Dragons Roleplay, meet the artists and engage in art activities.

 Creative Music and Audio Technology

University of Kent, along with SparkedEcho and Electric Medway, will put on a range of music and technology activities and displays across the weekend.

 Tabletop Gaming

Tabletop gaming has been entertaining kids and adults alike for generations. Play the future battlefields of Warhammer 40,000, historically accurate battle scenes and fantasy realms. Featuring display tables, interactive tables and open board gaming tables as well as dedicated tabletop traders.

 Virtual Reality Arenas

Shoot arrows and dodge bullets in the multiplayer Virtual Reality shootout arena. Be in complete control of the action in a virtual world whilst playing in a real-world arena.

 Armed Forces Displays

Representatives from the UK Armed Forces will showcase interactive content that highlights the incredible uses of technology in the modern Forces with everything from bomb disposal robots to large military vehicles.

 Nerf Arena and Sports Zone

In partnership with Medway Youth Services, take part in large scale Nerf battles. Battle modes will change constantly over the weekend with thousands of foam darts being fired. Along with a range of other sports activities and challenges

 Wrestling Arena

For the first time, United Kingdom Pro Wrestling (UKPW) will perform at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Get a ringside seat to watch wrestling stars such as Dow Jones, Alexander Roth (the current belt holder) and Fabio Romano battle it out in some clean family fun.

 Merch Market

A wide range of traders selling gaming merchandise, memorabilia and trading cards.

Paul Barnard, Chief Operating Officer, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said: “With just four-weeks until we open the gates to the Medway Gaming and Creative Festival, we are excited to announce an incredible programme for what promises to be a fantastic festival weekend. With over 400 years of maritime heritage, The Historic Dockyard Chatham provides a very special backdrop for the event, and we look forward to welcoming many visitors over the course of the 2-day event. I am personally very excited to take the Formula1 simulator for a test drive!” 

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “This year’s Gaming and Creative Festival looks set to be even bigger and more exciting than last year, with more people expected to attend as it is the first time the festival has been held without Covid restrictions. The festival forms part of our impressive Medway Presents events programme with a jam-packed weekend full of different gaming and creative activities for all the family to enjoy whether they are new to gaming or are a seasoned pro. With plenty for children and young people to discover and enjoy this fantastic festival supports our aspiration for Medway to become a child-friendly city. I would encourage residents to book their tickets soon, to avoid disappointment.”

 Gary Kirby, Managing Director, Fragers, said: “After safely delivering an amazing sell out festival last year for Medway Council at the incredible Historic Dockyard Chatham, during Covid restrictions, we are excited to once again be delivering this with more content across more of the venue. This is a unique festival with a vast breadth of content which has something for everyone! Look forward to seeing you there.”

Get your ticket today

Tickets cost £16 for an adult and £10 for a child per day. The ticket provides full access to all elements of the Medway Gaming and Creative Festival as well as selected galleries within The Historic Dockyard Chatham. To book your ticket, visit thedockyard.co.uk

Tickets are available in advance only. There will not be a ticket allocation available on the day(s) of the festival.

ENDS