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.”