KECC supports Cohesion Plus and Dartford Borough in delivering 80th Anniversary VE Day Celebrations in Central Park

KECC supported Cohesion Plus in delivering the 80th Anniversary VE Day celebrations working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council. The event which took place in Central Park on Sunday 18th May saw hundreds of local residents in attendance.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain; Mayor of Dartford, Peter Whapshott; and the Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Kite who addressed the crowds and shared their own words around what VE Day meant to them as well as the of coming together as a community.

Community engagement was at the heart of the day, with free refreshments provided by the Scouts, as well as face painting and colouring workshops keeping younger visitors entertained. In addition, there was additional activity in the shape of live musical performances of wartime classics, costumed WW2 actors, and a life-sized replica of a Spitfire aircraft providing striking visuals for families and history enthusiasts alike. Attendees also explored a vintage fire engine, a bomb disposal demonstration, and interactive exhibitions spotlighting the vital contributions of soldiers from across the Commonwealth.

Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented,
“The event was an incredible success and we are proud to have supported the festivities. VE Day serves as a vital reminder of all that was lost and gained through the selfless sacrifice of our soldiers across the nation as well as the Commonwealth. It was also an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate all that brings us together as a nation.”