Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Author: susan

  • Vaisakhi in Gravesham

    Vaisakhi in Gravesham

    Thousands Celebrate Vaisakhi in Gravesham

    Vaisakhi celebrations took place in Gravesham on Saturday 18th April to mark the founding of the Sikh faith as well as the beginning of the harvest year, and are traditionally celebrated in India with a procession from the local Gurdwara and through the surrounding villages.

    Organised by Gurdwara Management Committee, the local procession comprising of thousands of attendees began from Gravesend Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara and made its way through the town centre. The procession featured traditional music as well as the giving out of free food and drinks to onlookers and attendees alike in the spirit of Sewa (selfless service), one of the main pillars of the Sikh faith.

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council was honoured that its CEO Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL was able to attend in his capacity as Deputy Lieutenant, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain. He commented,
    “Vaisakhi is wonderful celebration that displays the amazing, rich diversity of North Kent and the amazing contributions the Sikh community have made to the fabric of society in the area. Vaisakhi is not just a celebration for those of the Sikh faith, rather it’s an opportunity for everyone from all walks of life to come together in the spirit of unity, celebration and equality. I am honoured beyond words to haven been able to attend not just as a member of the Sikh faith but also as the first Sikh Deputy Lieutenant in Kent. It is particularly heart-warming to see everyone together celebrating as one. I hold great faith that the unity on display during the celebrations is a true reflection of British society.”

  • Communities Come Together in North Kent

    Communities Come Together in North Kent

    Communities Come Together in North Kent

    The sun was shining on Saint George’s Day celebrations as local communities came together to mark the patron saint of England on Thursday 23rd April in Gravesend and Dartford.

    The celebrations were produced by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council, supported by Dartford Borough Council, Arts Council England and KKB Construction.

    The day began in Gravesend, where 13 local schools and around 700 young people took part in a colorful parade through the town centre which also featured Civic Guests including Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Bhargawa Vasudaven, Mayor Cllr Jenny Wallace and KCC Chair Cllr Richard Palmer. There was also a strong Inter Faith presence including representatives from the Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Sikh faiths sending a message of unity.

    In the afternoon, celebrations continued in Dartford, where 10 local schools and approximately 600 young people paraded along the High Street which also included Deputy Lieutenant Nadra Ahmed, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite, Mayor Cllr Peter Whapshott and Jim Dixon MP.

    Young people proudly displayed Saint George themed shields, coats of arms, dragons and banners they had created in the lead up to the event. Their work reflected messages of friendship, inclusion, unity and respect — values that remain at the heart of modern community celebrations.

    Both town centres were filled with families, residents and visitors enjoying a lively programme of entertainment, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. Highlights included brass bands, themed performers, Saint George himself in full chainmail costume, the magical Show Globe representing the English Rose, and a giant fire-breathing dragon that joined the parades and delighted crowds of all ages.

    The celebrations provided an important opportunity for people of all ethnicities, faiths and backgrounds to come together, celebrate local pride and recognise the strength that diversity brings to communities across Kent. Saint George’s Day continues to show how shared traditions can unite people and create lasting memories for the next generation.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council, said:

    “Saint George’s Day is about bringing people together and celebrating the pride we all share in our communities. It was wonderful to see so many young people, families and residents taking part in Gravesend and Dartford. Events like this show that no matter our background, we are stronger when we celebrate together in a spirit of friendship, unity and respect.”

  • Lunar New Year celebrations brings Maidstone communities together

    Lunar New Year celebrations brings Maidstone communities together

    Lunar New Year celebrations brings Maidstone communities together

    Maidstone’s communities came together on Saturday 21st February to celebrate Lunar New Year and usher in the Year of the Horse. Supported by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and delivered by Cohesion Plus working in partnership with Maidstone Cultural Group and Maidstone Borough Council, the celebrations saw people turn out in their hundreds.

    The festivities were officially opened by Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, who warmly welcomed attendees. Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Wood DL and The Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Martin Round were also present to greet members of the public.

    The celebrations were officially declared open with the traditional “marking of the Lions” ceremony, a symbolic ritual that awakens the lions and ushers in good fortune for the New Year. The spectacle captivated the crowd and set the tone for a dynamic afternoon of performances.

    After the ceremony there dazzling performances by Kudos Combat’s Dancing Lions who wowed the crowds with their mischievous antics and SOAS University of London who performed traditional Chinese Tea Room music. Graceful traditional dance was performance by classical dancer Wei He. Jose Navarro put on an interactive show of traditional Chinese puppets thrilling onlookers.

    Gurvinder Sandher CEO of KECC commented, “It is always such an honour to deliver the annual Lunar New Year celebrations with the County Town of Kent and its welcoming residents. The success of the celebrations is once again a clear example of Maidstone’s commitment to embracing global traditions and celebrating diversity. It is always our goal to bring people together regardless of cultural backgrounds to celebrate together and ultimately, strengthen community bonds.”

  • Ebbsfleet Magical Winter Festival

    Ebbsfleet Magical Winter Festival

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council Delighted to Partner on Ebbsfleet Magical Winter Festival

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council was delighted to be a partner in the Ebbsfleet Magical Winter Festival, which took place at Platinum Jubilee Park on Friday 6th February. Despite challenging weather conditions, over a thousand people attended the event, coming together to celebrate an evening of light, creativity, and community spirit in the heart of Ebbsfleet.

    The free community festival transformed the park into a breath-taking winter wonderland, with a dazzling array of magical light installations creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for visitors of all ages. A highlight of the evening was the first-ever lantern parade, led by pupils from five local schools, who proudly showcased lanterns they had created themselves alongside designs by Same Sky. The illuminated procession symbolised shared creativity, unity, and hope during the darker winter months.

    Festival-goers also enjoyed a vibrant programme of street and musical performances as well as a life size, fully interactive Polar Bear which added to the sense of wonder and excitement throughout the evening.

    The festival was supported by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and organised by Cohesion Plus and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, with support from Arts Council England, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Same Sky, and KKB Group. Kent Equality Cohesion Council was proud to support the event as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting inclusion, equality, and cohesion through community-led cultural activity.

    The festival was also attended by key civic partners, including the Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Whappshot; the Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Jeremy Kite MBE; and the new Chair of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, Geoff Prout CB. Their presence underlined the importance of partnership working and shared commitment to strengthening communities across the borough.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented

    “The Ebbsfleet Magical Winter Festival stood as a powerful example of how arts and culture can bring people together, even in challenging conditions, creating moments of joy, connection, and shared pride for the whole community.”

  • Dartford Festival of Light brings community together

    Dartford Festival of Light brings community together

    Dartford Festival of Light brings community together

    The Dartford Festival of Light, held on Friday 21 November, welcomed record numbers of local residents who turned out to celebrate despite the cold weather. A much-loved highlight in the town’s cultural calendar, the festival once again delivered an uplifting evening of colour, creativity, and community spirit.

    The Festival featured 14 local schools. In the weeks leading up to the event, pupils worked closely with Same Sky to design and create unique lanterns around the inspiring themes of unity, solidarity, and community. The lanterns illuminated Dartford Town Centre as families, friends, and neighbours walked together in celebration. They were joined in the parade by a number of Kent based acts who proved to be popular with the audience DDFK Brass Band, Bloco Fogo Samba, Kings of Dhol, and dynamic lit up Stilt Walkers.

    The parade climaxed in Central Park where a spectacular firework display took place following short speeches by the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Jeremy Kite MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Kelvin Holford, Deputy Mayor of Dartford Avtar Sandhu MBE and Jim Dixon MP.

    The Festival was delivered in partnership with Cohesion Plus and Dartford Borough Council and was supported by Arts Council England, KKB Group, and Uden Funeral Services.

    According to Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council “It is vital that events like the Festival of Light continue to take place as a means of bringing the diverse residents of Dartford together to celebrate what unities us a community and to celebrate our shared values. I am proud of what we have achieved working in partnership and am really grateful to the local schools for their ongoing support and participation in our work.”

  • Faith Leaders Come Together at Rochester Cathedral to Celebrate Unity and Collaboration

    Faith Leaders Come Together at Rochester Cathedral to Celebrate Unity and Collaboration

    Faith Leaders Come Together at Rochester Cathedral to Celebrate Unity and Collaboration

    Over 30 faith organisations and community organisations from across Kent and Medway gathered at Rochester Cathedral on Wednesday 12 November for a special Inter Faith event hosted by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain, in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

    The event brought together leaders and members from a wide range of faiths alongside cadets from Kent Police and the Armed Forces, highlighting the spirit of unity, respect, and mutual understanding that exists across the county.

    The aim of the gathering was to celebrate the positive contributions faith groups make to their local communities and to create opportunities for networking and collaboration between organisations. Attendees shared experiences, built new connections, and explored how they could continue to work together to support community cohesion and wellbeing across Kent and Medway.

    Speaking after the event, Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council, said:

    “Events like this are vital in bringing people of all faiths and backgrounds together. They remind us of the shared values that unite our communities – compassion, service, and respect. By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, we can continue to strengthen understanding and cohesion across Kent and Medway.”

    HM Lord-Lieutenant Lady Colgrain praised the work of local faith leaders and volunteers, recognising their ongoing role in supporting communities through challenging times and fostering a sense of togetherness.

    The event formed part of Inter Faith Week, a national initiative that promotes understanding and cooperation among the UK’s diverse faith communities.

  • Gravesend Community Celebrates Diwali with Joy and Togetherness

    Gravesend Community Celebrates Diwali with Joy and Togetherness

    Gravesend Community Celebrates Diwali with Joy and Togetherness

    Gravesend came alive with colour, music, and celebration on Friday 14th November as the community gathered to mark Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The event was organised by the Kent Equality Cohesion Council (KECC) in partnership with Cohesion Plus, and placed a special emphasis on engaging residents aged 65 and over.

    The celebration featured an exciting line-up of performances, including live music from Replay Music, energetic routines by the 4×4 Bhangra Group, and powerful drumming from the Kings of Dhol. The event aimed to bring people together to share in the spirit of Diwali while tackling issues of isolation among older members of the community.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council, said:

    “Diwali is a time to celebrate light, hope, and new beginnings, and it was heartwarming to see our community come together in that spirit. Events like this are so important, particularly for our older residents, many of whom have faced isolation in recent years. Providing opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, and feel valued is at the heart of what we do, and this event showed the real power of community cohesion in action.”

    The Kent Equality Cohesion Council continues to work across North Kent to promote equality, foster positive community relations, and celebrate diversity and cohesion through inclusive events and activities.

  • Wrotham Festival of Light wows for its 12th year of celebrations

    Wrotham Festival of Light wows for its 12th year of celebrations

    Wrotham Festival of Light wows for its 12th year of celebrations

    The much-anticipated Wrotham Festival of Light returned on Friday 10th October, bringing the communities of Wrotham together once again, lighting up the village with colour and community spirit. Now in its 12th year, the beloved annual event continues to draw hundreds of attendees from Wrotham and the surrounding areas.

    Supported by Kent Equality Cohesion Council, the festival was delivered in partnership with Cohesion Plus, Saint George’s Primary School, and Same Sky Arts, with additional support from Arts Council England and Wrotham Parish Council.

    The spectacular lantern parade was led by the Deputy Lieutenant Louise Bryant, and Saint George’s Primary School Headteacher Elizabeth Rye. They were joined by hundreds of children, parents, and guardians as the parade journeyed from Saint George’s Church to the village cricket ground.

    The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display by local business Phoenix Fireworks, lighting up the night sky to the delight of all in attendance.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus commented
    “The Wrotham Festival of Light is always a special event for us to deliver as it not only marks the launch of our autumn and winter programme, it also allows us an opportunity to deliver community activity in the heart of a rural setting. It’s a joy to create opportunities for children and their families to take part in these unique celebrations. As always, I’m deeply thankful to our partners and to everyone who came out to support the event.”

  • Dartford Celebrates Black History Month with Inspiring Community Event

    Dartford Celebrates Black History Month with Inspiring Community Event

    Dartford Celebrates Black History Month with Inspiring Community Event

    The Dartford community came together on Wednesday 1st October at the Temple Hill Community Centre to mark Black History Month with an evening of powerful performances, inspiring talks, and community spirit around the theme of “Standing Firm in Pride and Power”

    The celebration was organised by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council. The event shone a spotlight on the positive contributions made by the Black community in Britain, both past and present.

    The evening opened with a moving one-man performance by actor O’Shea Lamar, who brought to life the story of a Jamaican RAF pilot during World War II, exploring the challenges he faced as a Black man serving his country.

    The event featured compelling speeches from inspirational figures such as Cedi Fredrick Chair of the NHS and Medway Integrated Care Board, Karin Muya Professional Footballer, Akua Agyepong Community Champion, and Michelle Bramble, Chair of Cohesion Plus and The North Kent Caribbean Network. The speakers shared personal stories of identity, pride, and perseverance — offering insights into how they continue to stand firm in their own power while navigating professional and cultural spaces.

    Civic guests in attendance included Kelvin Holford, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Cllr Peter Whapshott, Mayor of Dartford, and Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, who each expressed their pride in supporting the event.

    To close the programme, Ebonie G captivated the audience with a moving performance of an original song. Her lyrics echoed the spirit of this year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Pride and Power”, leaving the audience inspired and energised — a fitting end to an evening of celebrating Black History Month,

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council, also addressed the audience, reminding everyone that Black History is British History and that symbols like the Union Flag and the Cross of St George belong to everyone, regardless of ethnicity or faith.

  • South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations

    South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations

    South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations

    KECC in partnership with Cohesion Plus once again delivered South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations taking place across Dartford and Gravesend.

    Dartford South Asian Heritage Month on Tuesday 22nd July in the Orchard West Theatre and saw the showcasing of South Asian art forms and the recognition of celebrated local community champions. Around 150 local residents attended the celebrations including civic guests Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council and Mayor of Dartford Cllr Peter Whapshot as well as Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL who also represented the Lord Lieutenant of Kent.

    The evening saw the inaugural presentation of the Dev Sharma Community Award. The award was presented to Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Bina Pandaya Ghimire, President of the Nepalese Community Group and Gurdial Singh Rai, President of Dartford Guru Hargobind Singh Gurdwara. All recipients of the award have worked long and hard in their respective communities and displayed exceptional leadership. There was also a programme of artistic performances by local artists showcasing their respective art forms which originated from the South and North of India as well as Bangladesh.

    In addition, the Gravesend South Asian Heritage Month celebrations were marked at the Studio, Woodville on Wednesday 23rd July. As part of the evening, attendees were able to watch the premiere of three new films which once again celebrated the positive contribution made by local residents of South Asian descent.

    Dignitaries in attendance included the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Jenny Wallace, Joanne Holmes DL and Anne Millington DL.

    The first film covered the journey of the local Eid Community Mela which begun in 2023 and was organised working in partnership with local community figures. The celebrations are some of the largest in Kent and one that brings Muslims and non-Muslims alike together to enjoy a full programme of on stage, culturally diverse performances from artists of Indian, Pakistani, Syrian and Bangladeshi descent. Co organisers Bilal Farooq CEO of Kent Muslim Hands and Khawar Khurshit of Gravesham Skills Centre were awarded a special community award to mark their hard work and efforts for the event, working in partnership with Cohesion Plus.

    The second film told the story of the largest Kabbadi Tournament held in the South East and organised by local Kabbadi Club, a club run by volunteers for well over 20 years. The film showcased the immense impact the sport has on both British born players as well as those from India and Pakistan who are invited to play internationally on large scale platforms annually. The Kabbadi Club were also recipients of the special community award, marking their vast contribution towards sports and culture.

    The third and final film showcased the practice of ‘Seva’ (selfless service) and the long held tradition across three generations of the Birring family. The film captured the individual stories of the elder and younger members of the family, highlighting the differences in lifestyles and also the connecting practice of seva with the Gravesend Guru Nanak Dabar Gurdwara serving at the backdrop. The family also received a special community award for their prolific efforts and service to the local community.

    In addition there was a special World War 2 exhibition commemorating the contributions made by the Commonwealth and specifically soldiers of South Asian descent. The families of those soldiers were also in attendance and they had the opportunity to tell their stories.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented,

    “I am so incredibly proud of what we were able to produce and deliver as part of this year’s South Asian Heritage Month celebrating local heroes, stories and art forms. I feel it is vital to celebrate this month as it is South Asian history is British history. Our histories are so intrinsically intertwined that it would be remiss of us not to highlight and showcase the myriad of ways that the Asian subcontinent has contributed to the fabric of British society. We are currently living in very divisive times so I believe now more so than ever, we have a responsibility to celebrate Britain in its modern, diverse context. I feel we achieved this with these wonderful events and the success is clearly evident in the sheer number of people who came out to support them.”