Bright lights and colourful vegetable inspired lanterns lit up a chilly autumn night in the rural village of Wrotham on Friday 14th of October. The Wrotham Festival of Light which is now in its fourth year was opened by Phase 5 Steel Band outside St. Georges Church; they were followed by African ensemble Uzambezi, Four by Four Bhangra Dancers and Blogo Fogo Samba.

Following the performances the lantern parade which celebrated the diversity of Kent and the Harvest Festival made its way through the village. The parade featured parents and pupils from 4 local schools; St. George’s Primary, Trottiscliffe Primary, Platt Primary and West Malling Primary. Prior to the start of the parade Same Sky Arts had lit up the route with colourful light installations and also incorporated their specially created lit up car in the parade.

The festival reached its climax on the grounds of Wrotham Cricket Club where a spectacular firework and light show took place.

According to Gurvinder Sandher the Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus Kent “I strongly believe that we highlighted today the importance of celebrating culturally diverse art in the rural parts of Kent. Those in attendance not only enjoyed the performances but were able to experience a positive arts experience incorporating lights installations, music and dance during the duration of the festival. We are very grateful to all our local partners and Arts Council England for their ongoing support, this allows us to put on events like this reaching rural communities we would not otherwise not be able to.”

The Festival was organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Saint Georges Primary School and the schools in the Pilgrims Way Partnership and was part funded by Arts Council England.