Kent Equality Cohesion Council working in partnership with Gravesham Borough Council and local arts organisation Cohesion Plus have organised a special lantern parade which will take place on Friday November 15 to launch the Christmas celebrations in Gravesham. The theme of the parade which launches the Gravesham 12 Days of Christmas Celebrations is a “Partridge in a Pear Tree”

11 local schools will take part in the parade which will start in the St George’s Shopping Centre at 4.30pm from the back of Marks and Spencer and BHS. The parade led by the Mayor of Gravesham and invited guests will then go through the Centre, onto the New Road, left into Windmill Street before finishing on the Community Square in Windmill Street outside the Civic Centre. The Christmas Lights will be switched on in the Town Centre in stages as the parade passes. In addition to the schools the lantern parade will feature the Premier Brass Band, Bloco Fogo Samba Group, Stilt Walkers and Illuminated Snow Birds. Once the parade reaches the Community Square the Mayor of Gravesham Councillor Derek Sales will switch on the lights on the Christmas Tree around 5.30pm.

Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “We have been working very hard with our partners Gravesham Borough Council, Cohesion Plus and local schools on the lantern parade and are looking forward to spectacular event involving some 500 young people from across the Borough. Christmas is an important celebration for the diverse communities of Gravesham and we are pleased that our lantern parade will launch 5 weeks of celebrations which we hope will also have a positive impact on the Town Centre as well as showcasing the positive community relations enjoyed in the borough.”