Reinstate the Will Adams Festival
The Issue
Growing up in Medway, I had the privilege of attending the Will Adams Festival, a celebration that beautifully encapsulated the fusion of English and Japanese history. This festival was not just an event; it was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and community spirit. Every year, the festival brought people together to explore the historical journey of Will Adams, an English sailor who became a key figure in Japanese history.
The festival educated and entertained with traditional Japanese music, art, cuisine, and performances, while also highlighting the rich historical ties between England and Japan. For those of us lucky enough to experience it, the highlights always included the demonstrations of Japanese tea ceremonies, martial arts, and the vibrant parades that enlivened our town.
Unfortunately, following its cancellation during the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival was never reinstated by medway council, leaving a significant cultural void in Medway. But we believe that the benefits of reinstating this festival far outweigh any obstacles. It served as an important educational tool for locals and tourists alike, fostering understanding and admiration between two distinct cultures.
The Will Adams Festival was more than an event; it was a catalyst for unity and cultural appreciation. Bringing back this festival will not only revive these cherished experiences but also promote cultural tourism, benefitting the local economy and community businesses that have supported and thrived alongside the festival.
We propose engaging both local councils and international cultural organizations to fund and organize a sustainable model for the festival. By collaborating with local schools, historical societies, and Japanese cultural associations, we can ensure the festival returns bigger and stronger, preserving the legacy of Will Adams while adapting to today's economic realities.
Your support can put Medway back on the map as a hub for cultural festivities, education, and international friendship. Let us come together to celebrate our shared history and make the Will Adams Festival a fixture of Medway life once again.
Sign this petition to show your support for the return of the Will Adams Festival to Medway!
18
The Issue
Growing up in Medway, I had the privilege of attending the Will Adams Festival, a celebration that beautifully encapsulated the fusion of English and Japanese history. This festival was not just an event; it was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and community spirit. Every year, the festival brought people together to explore the historical journey of Will Adams, an English sailor who became a key figure in Japanese history.
The festival educated and entertained with traditional Japanese music, art, cuisine, and performances, while also highlighting the rich historical ties between England and Japan. For those of us lucky enough to experience it, the highlights always included the demonstrations of Japanese tea ceremonies, martial arts, and the vibrant parades that enlivened our town.
Unfortunately, following its cancellation during the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival was never reinstated by medway council, leaving a significant cultural void in Medway. But we believe that the benefits of reinstating this festival far outweigh any obstacles. It served as an important educational tool for locals and tourists alike, fostering understanding and admiration between two distinct cultures.
The Will Adams Festival was more than an event; it was a catalyst for unity and cultural appreciation. Bringing back this festival will not only revive these cherished experiences but also promote cultural tourism, benefitting the local economy and community businesses that have supported and thrived alongside the festival.
We propose engaging both local councils and international cultural organizations to fund and organize a sustainable model for the festival. By collaborating with local schools, historical societies, and Japanese cultural associations, we can ensure the festival returns bigger and stronger, preserving the legacy of Will Adams while adapting to today's economic realities.
Your support can put Medway back on the map as a hub for cultural festivities, education, and international friendship. Let us come together to celebrate our shared history and make the Will Adams Festival a fixture of Medway life once again.
Sign this petition to show your support for the return of the Will Adams Festival to Medway!
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 26 September 2026