Community Comes Together in Gravesend to Celebrate Diwali

Gravesend was filled with colour, music, and joy on Friday 14th November as the community came together to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The celebration was produced by Cohesion Plus in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council, bringing people of all ages together – with a special focus on those aged 65 and over.

The event featured a vibrant programme of entertainment including uplifting live music from Replay Music, energetic performances by the 4×4 Bhangra Group, and the thunderous rhythms of the Kings of Dhol, creating an atmosphere of unity and festivity.

The celebration aimed to promote community cohesion and wellbeing, particularly among older residents who have faced challenges of isolation in recent years.

Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus, said:

“Events like this are vital for our community. They bring people together across generations and backgrounds, helping to combat loneliness and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Gravesend so special. Diwali is a time of light, hope, and renewal – and this event truly reflected those values. It was wonderful to see so many of our older residents smiling, dancing, and connecting with others.”

The Diwali celebration is part of Cohesion Plus’s ongoing programme of community events across Kent supported by Arts Council England, celebrating diversity through the arts and promoting inclusion and togetherness.