A fun evening out for the family in Rochester: Medway Mile and Olympics opening ceremony screening in Rochester Castle Gardens

Rochester Castle is once again the focal point for our community tomorrow night, with the Medway Mile and the screening of the Olympics opening ceremony both taking place in the gardens.

One of our biggest family participation events unites with the global celebration of the 2012 Opening Ceremony, and I'll be eagerly keeping an eye on every participant since I know someone who'll actually be there in the thick of it! 

Taking part in the Danny Boyle co-ordinated extravaganza is local writer and actress, Emma Dewhurst, known to many of you as the editor of WOW magazine, and Creative Producer of the Rochester Literature Festival (which held its launch event this week. Jolly good it was too, if I say so myself ;) ). She's been busily rehearsing throughout the summer and was thoroughly excited when I spoke to her today. She said:

"Performing the dress rehearsal last night was extraordinary. I can't imagine what it'll be like in front of 80,000 people in the stadium and billions more worldwide. It's just been amazing to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself."

Emma also gave us a tip - check out #savethesurprise on Twitter, for lots of "interesting stuff" as she put it! I just checked it out and it is, indeed, a fabulous read!

The wide screen in the castle gardens will be free to watch and will showcase the amazing spectacle as it happens live at the Olympic stadium.

The Medway Mile is the annual fun run launched in 2007 to mark the five-year countdown to the games. It will take place at 7.30pm when thousands of people will walk, run, skip or dance their way through Rochester's historic streets. Family entertainment and activities will also take place in Rochester Castle Gardens from 5pm, including children's races and an adults only competitive race.

Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr. Howard Doe said: "We are holding a special screening of the Olympic ceremony in Rochester Castle Gardens on Friday following the Medway Mile. This will act as a great finale to this wonderful free event, which is for people of all ages and abilities. If you want to take part or just join in the fun and watch the opening ceremony on the open air screen, please do come along. It will be the perfect way for everyone to come together and celebrate."

The Medway Mile is free to enter and every participant receives a free t-shirt. To register and find out more visit www.medway.gov.uk/medwaymile

For those wanting to make healthy changes to their lifestyle, the Medway Stop Smoking Service will be on hand to support those joining the thousands of residents who have decided to quit the habit this year.  Organisers will offer support and advice and free nicotine replacements will be available for people to try. For more information visit www.abettermedway.co.uk