Admiral Admiration

Today we took a trip out to the Festival at the Fort - a weekend outdoor arts festival taking place in and around the amphitheatre in the Fort Amherst heritage park in Chatham.
 It was bringing together and featuring touring companies, Medway performing artists, musicians and community groups alongside workshop activities for all the family and was superbly organised by local theatre and performing arts groups, the local council and my big sis. Well done sis!
Ford Amherst itself was constructed in 1756 and is Britain's biggest and most well preserved Napoleonic fort - it's main purpose was the defence of Chatham Dockyard from a landward attack by an invading army. With it's two miles of ramparts, gun positions, barracks and underground works it was a formidable obstacle.
It now has incredible green open spaces for walks and picnics, an outdoor amphitheatre and some truly spectacular views across the Medway. This also means that it is at the top of a very steep hill. My main image is of a large bust of Admiral Nelson (with added crochet as part of the festival) which is half way up the slope, where we needed to take a small breather! They did love a bit of admiral admiration back in the day! This must have been an early representation as by 1801 he had lost an eye at the Battle of Copenhagen.
Once we had reached the top of the hill, and had another breather, we made our way to the amphitheatre (my extra) to listen to some live stand up comedy and music. The sun came out, there was a lovely summer breeze and it was so great to see everyone out enjoying themselves in such fabulous surroundings!