Holi Festival of Colours Lights Up Dartford

The Holi Festival of Colours returned to Dartford’s Open Air Theatre in Central Park on Sunday 16th March transforming the area into a vibrant spectacle of colour and joy as local residents came together to celebrate the Holi Festival of Colours.

Produced by Cohesion Plus in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and local community groups, the event brought people of all backgrounds together in a unique and uplifting celebration of unity, diversity, and spring renewal.

The festival, which was free to attend, featured high-energy music, cultural performances, and, of course, the iconic throwing of coloured powder, creating an electric atmosphere of fun and togetherness. Hundreds of attendees of all ages enthusiastically joined in, covering each other in brilliant hues and embracing the spirit of Holi – a tradition rooted in love, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.

Civic guests included Deputy Lieutenant Gurvinder Sandher MBE who represented the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Mayor of Dartford Cllr Andy Lloyd, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite MBE and Jim Dixon MP all of whom wished onlookers a Happy Holi.

Gurvinder Sandher, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people from different backgrounds coming together to celebrate Holi in such a joyous and inclusive way. The festival is about breaking down barriers and promoting community cohesion, and the overwhelming support from local residents highlights the power of cultural events in bringing people together. We are grateful to Dartford Borough Council and our community partners for their support in making this event a success.”

Cllr Jeremy Kite the Leader of Dartford Borough Council commented “The Holi Festival of Colours was a wonderful event. It has become a popular annual fixture in Dartford and it’s brilliant to see the community come together for such a happy occasion. With music filling the air and bursts of colour painting the sky, the event was a true testament to the vibrancy and unity of the local community.”