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.”