The January Culture Review

Live music, new Billy Childish, theatrical chaos and a Medway farewell

When the only road closes

A village cut off, a tree felled in Hoo, and new rail usage figures for Medway

“It was essential for the transformation of Chatham”

What Steven asked Luke Bacon, Minister at St Johns Church in Chatham

Power and procedure at Medway Council

Plus a surge in new HMO applications, a £1.4m Rainham house, next week's council business, what’s on locally and the weekend’s sport

Forthcoming attractions

Stephen Morris examines what 2026 looks like for Medway music

What kind of democracy does Medway want?

Scrutiny, civility, and basic democratic questions are on this week's agenda. Plus a look at NHS waiting lists at Medway.

High Court clears the way for Chatham Docks redevelopment

What the ruling means for Medway, what’s coming up at Medway council, and everything else you need to know this weekend

Voice of the Opposition

Cllr George Perfect on Medway's finances and the coming budget.

Labour councillors raise red flags over Medway’s Local Plan

Plus Ofsted’s inspection of children’s services and Medway’s on alert Kent’s water network comes under strain

Winter is here

Stuart Bourne on the sights that can still be found in our gardens this time of year

The Christmas lights so rubbish even Medway Council wouldn’t charge for them

Plus council business, planning applications, a £700,000 house behind the walls of Kitchener Barracks, what’s on this week and the weekend’s sport.

Funding boost not enough to stabilise Medway finances

Plus Horsted Valley to become new nature reserve, other Cabinet news, news in brief, and more