The Dartford Festival of Light returned for its 15th year on Friday 22nd November in the Town Centre to a roaring success. Attended by local schools and residents, people turned out in their hundreds to support the annual celebrations.

The festival was once again produced by Cohesion Plus working in in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and is supported by Arts Council England, Kent Equality Cohesion Council and KKB Group.

Featuring 13 local schools from across Dartford, each school showcased their lanterns which were produced in the lead up to the festival during creative workshops delivered by arts company Same Sky Arts. The lanterns reflected themes of community, unity, friendship and tolerance.

Civic guests were also in attendance including Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Andy Lloyd, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite, Jim Dickson MP as well as Arts Council England representatives Hazel Edwards, Area Director of the South East and Dulcie Alexander Relationship Manager – Engagement and Audiences.

Opening the proceedings for the entertainment portion of the evening was Covent Nick, a juggling and acrobatic street act that wowed the crowds. Throughout the evening there was a dazzling musical programme of dynamic artists including Bloco Fogo Samba who brought the summer sounds of the Brazilian carnival to the town, while Native Oyster brought the unique rhythm and blues of New Orleans. Representing North India via Kent were the Kings of Dhol who performed their signature drumming beats, wowing the crowds. DDFK Brass performed joyful renditions of pop classics as well as bringing a sense of nostalgia to the celebrations.

The festival climaxed with a free fireworks display in Central Park which was enjoyed by those in attendance.

Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, event organiser and Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus commented, “We are once again so proud to have delivered another resounding success of a festival, bringing Dartford together to celebrate. The success of the event is a testament to the strength of our working relationships with local schools in the borough, Dartford Borough Council and our creative partners Same Sky Arts. The festival of light has long since stood as an event that celebrates what unites us as well as our shared values and we are so grateful to everyone who came out to show their support.”