A fireworks fiesta will fill the skies of Medway on Saturday to celebrate the official launch of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

The fireworks display will form the finale of a free special event at Rochester Castle as part of the national Light Up celebrations.

The 2012 Cultural Olympiad comprises a series of ceremonies, events and major projects across the UK over the next four years in the run-up to the London Olympics.

The fireworks will begin at 8.12pm (20:12 in the 24-hour clock), the culmination of an evening of entertainment which will include the first public showing of a specially-commissioned film featuring thousands of Medway residents.

The film, Welcome To Medway, was shot this summer and includes footage of individuals, and events such as Race For Life, the Dickens Festival, Mini-Youth Games, Fuse Festival and the Medway Mile.

The film will light up Rochester as it is projected 40ft on to the side of the castle.

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council's portfolio holder for community services, said: "This exciting and innovative event will help everyone in Medway celebrate the start of the Cultural Olympiad.

"The film vividly captures the enthusiasm of the community for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the warm welcome we can offer visitors to Medway."

The film has been produced by local film-maker Gary Weston and will be used to promote Medway as both a first-class tourist destination and a sporting centre of excellence.

The free evening starts at 7pm and includes displays by the Gurkhas' taekwondo display team and the Kyushin Ryu jujitsu association, plus music from Hold Tight. The film will be shown at 8pm and will be followed by the fireworks display.