Chatham Waters Summer Social Brings Community Together for Biggest Celebration Yet

Hundreds of residents, businesses, students and community partners came together at Chatham Waters for the fourth annual Summer Social, transforming the promenade into a vibrant hub of creativity, culture, wellbeing and connection along the waterfront.

Hosted by Peel Waters, in partnership with Chatham Waters Care Home and Way of Life, this year’s free event celebrated the continued growth of the waterside neighbourhood, bringing together organisations, local leaders and community groups for an afternoon packed with activities, workshops, live entertainment and shared experiences.

The waterfront came alive with live music from local band Largo, family activities, interactive workshops and street food, while visitors explored everything from virtual reality experiences and filmmaking workshops to gardening sessions and wellbeing activities. Chatham Historic Dockyard‘s mobile museum and Human Library offered a fascinating glimpse into Medway’s maritime heritage, while Medway Council Libraries’ mobile library encouraged younger visitors to discover the joy of reading through storytelling and creative activities.

Visitors also had the opportunity to experience the future of care through Chatham Waters Care Home’s interactive Dementia Bus and accessible armchair yoga sessions, while Peel Waters’ landscaping team hosted planting and pot decorating workshops that helped bring the community together around the destination’s growing green spaces.

Each year, the event is further shaped by local culture and energy and serves as a glimpse into the incoming business community of makers, designers, and tech focused creatives. This year the University of Kent and The Docking Station inspired visitors with immersive virtual reality, animation and filmmaking experiences, showcasing innovation and creativity at the heart of Chatham Waters.

Food and drink proved equally popular, with visitors enjoying Nepalese street food from Gurkha Fire, Spanish and Mexican dishes served up by Poco Loco, whilst the local ice cream sundaes, lollies and classic ‘99s provided the perfect cool down treat during the heat wave.

One of the most popular attractions of the afternoon came courtesy of District KCL, Chatham Waters’ on-site event space, which brought along its mobile bar company to host a series of cocktail-making workshops and sampling sessions on the waterfront promenade. Making the most of the sunshine, visitors gathered around the lively demonstrations to learn the tricks of the trade, discover new flavours and enjoy a taste of District KCL’s hospitality offer. The sessions quickly became one of the event’s standout moments as participants were invited to get involved and put their mixology skills to the test.

Adding to the fun, the District KCL team was joined by local MP Naushabah Khan and Cllr Lia Mandaracas, who enthusiastically stepped behind the bar to help shake, stir and serve. Their good-natured participation helped bring the party atmosphere to the promenade, with crowds clapping along, laughing and cheering throughout the demonstrations. The workshops perfectly captured the spirit of the Summer Social, bringing together residents, businesses and community leaders in a relaxed and engaging setting while showcasing the growing range of leisure and event spaces available at Chatham Waters.

A Growing Community

This year’s event was particularly significant as it marked several important milestones for Chatham Waters.

Way of Life celebrated five years since opening The Kell, its first residential development at Chatham Waters, while the much-anticipated Chatham Waters Care Home prepares to welcome its first residents later this summer. Both milestones reflect the continued growth of a destination that has already attracted more than £150million of direct investment and continues to evolve as a place where people can live, work and socialise.

James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, said:

“The Summer Social has become one of the highlights of the Chatham Waters calendar because it reflects exactly what we’re trying to achieve here. While investment in buildings and infrastructure is important, creating opportunities for people to come together, make connections and build a sense of belonging is what ultimately creates a successful community.

“It was fantastic to see so many residents, businesses, partners and local stakeholders enjoying the waterfront and making the most of everything on offer. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make this year’s event our most successful yet and for continuing to support the growth of Chatham Waters as a thriving destination where people want to live, work and visit.”

Celebrating Partnerships

The event was made possible through the support of a wide range of local partners who helped deliver activities and experiences throughout the afternoon.

Neelma Kaur, Building Manager at The Kell, Way of Life, said:

“It was a pleasure to be part of this year’s Chatham Waters Summer Social and to see so many residents, businesses and local partners come together to celebrate the community.

“The fantastic support from all of the event partners helped create a welcoming and engaging afternoon, showcasing everything that makes Chatham Waters such a great place to live, work and visit.

“This year’s event was particularly special as it coincided with five years since The Kell, Way of Life’s first development at Chatham Waters, opened its doors. It has been wonderful to see the area continue to grow, and we are proud to have been part of that journey.”

Boda Gallon, Director at Chatham Waters Care Home, added:

“The Chatham Waters Care Home team were proud to be part of Peel’s Chatham Waters Summer Social 2026 and to contribute as an integral member of the wider community.

“It was a privilege to come together with partners and community stakeholders who share our values and our ambition to break down barriers around age, ability and multi-generational living.

“Being part of this vibrant waterside setting will enable our residents to remain engaged with everyday life in a meaningful and inclusive way.”

Community Leaders Praise Event

The event was attended by Mayor of Medway, Councillor Douglas Hamandishe, who highlighted the importance of community cohesion and the role Chatham Waters continues to play in bringing people together.

Following the event on his socials, Councillor Douglas Hamandishe said:

“Community cohesion is the theme of my mayoralty. And this place proves what it means. We are not one because we look alike. We are one because we choose to seek each other out. Four years of this Summer Social. £150million invested by Peel Waters into a place where people live, work, play and most importantly, belong.”

Councillor Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, also praised the event, describing it as:

“An absolute triumph that brought together the community for a day filled with music, games and the vibrant spirit of this growing neighbourhood.”

“Chatham Waters Summer Social was an absolute triumph that brought together the community for a day filled with music, games and vibrant spirit of the growing neighbourhood.

“A massive thank you goes to Emma Green and Peel Waters for organising such a fantastic community social and bringing residents, students, education providers, leading placemaking specialists and urban designers, investors and council services together so seamlessly.

“It was lovely to see the promenade being used so well for public recreation- the place was a buzzing hub of energy, offering a brilliant lineup of live music, interactive workshops, and garden games that provided something special for every age group.”

Thank You

Peel Waters would like to thank Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Chatham Waters Care Home, Crittenden Groundworks, District KCL, The Docking Station, D2 Facilities, Gurkha Fire, Medway Council, Poco Loco, the University of Kent and Way of Life for their support in delivering another successful Summer Social.

As Chatham Waters continues to grow, events such as the Summer Social demonstrate the power of placemaking in creating connections, celebrating local partnerships and fostering a strong sense of community along Medway’s waterfront.