Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Tag: Cllr Jeremy Kite

  • Dartford South Asian Heritage Month Celebration Brings Community Together

    Dartford South Asian Heritage Month Celebration Brings Community Together

    Dartford South Asian Heritage Month Celebration Brings Community Together

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council was proud to support the Dartford South Asian Heritage Month celebration on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at Orchard West Theatre, working in partnership with Cohesion Plus, Dartford Borough Council, The Mentor Ring and Orchard West Theatre, with support from Arts Council England.

    The evening brought together local residents, artists, community representatives and civic guests to celebrate South Asian heritage, local talent and the contribution of community champions who have helped shape life in Dartford over many years.

    Welcome speeches were given by Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, speaking in his role as Deputy Lieutenant of Kent representing the Lord Lieutenant, Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, and Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE, Mayor of Dartford. They spoke about the importance of South Asian Heritage Month; the value of community cohesion and the positive role South Asian communities continue to play in the life of the borough.

    While the evening included a programme of cultural performances, the main focus was on bringing people together and recognising the strength of Dartford’s communities. Local groups and performers helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with music and dance reflecting the diversity, creativity and traditions of the South Asian community.

    One of the key moments of the evening was the presentation of the Dev Sharma Community Awards. Dev Sharma was a long-standing Chair of KECC and was the former Director of the North West Kent Racial Equality Council, who dedicated many years to promoting equality, cohesion and community engagement.

    The awards recognised three local community champions who have served Dartford selflessly over many years. The recipients were Dr Chandika Bhatta, founder of the Dartford Nepalese Community Group, Baldev Singh Bains from the Guru Hargobind Gurdwara in Dartford, and Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE, Mayor of Dartford. Each recipient has made a lasting contribution to community life and helped build stronger links between different communities in the borough.

    The event also featured the premiere of a new film from Series 3 of Big Stories, Local Legends, a series of short films produced by Cohesion Plus celebrating local people and their stories. This latest film focused on the late Darshan Singh Sandhu, father of Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE and Cllr Rags Sandhu. It told the story of his journey, values and contribution to Dartford, while also highlighting the wider story of first-generation South Asian residents who helped build strong community links in the town.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, Chief Executive of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented:

    “We were really pleased to be part of this year’s Dartford South Asian Heritage Month celebration. The evening was about more than performances; it was about community, shared history and recognising people who have quietly given so much to the borough over many years.

    The Dev Sharma Community Awards were especially important because they allowed us to honour local champions who have helped bring people together and strengthen community life in Dartford. The premiere of the latest Big Stories, Local Legends film was also a powerful reminder of the contribution made by first-generation South Asian residents and the values they passed on to future generations.

    At a time when there is still division in society, events like this matter. They show that people can be proud of their heritage, proud of where they live and proud to be part of modern day Britain.”

  • Dartford Mela Showcases Local Talent

    Dartford Mela Showcases Local Talent

    Dartford Mela Showcases Local Talent

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council was pleased to support this year’s Dartford Mela, which took place on Sunday 28th June at the Open-Air Theatre in Central Park.

    The event celebrated the music, dance, food and traditions of the Indian Sub-Continent, while also reflecting the British Asian experience and the diversity of modern Dartford. Supported by Arts Council England, the Mela was produced by Cohesion Plus in partnership with the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE, and a team of local volunteers.

    There was a strong focus on local talent throughout the day. The Four by Four Kings of Bhangra brought energy and colour to the stage with traditional Bhangra dance, while the Dartford Nepalese Community Dance Group performed choreography celebrating Nepalese culture. Soptosur Music School showcased local Bengali musical talent, singer Sadia Afrin Ripa entertained the audience with popular Bengali songs, and the Pacha Pucha Drumming Group added rhythm and atmosphere with their lively drumming.

    The programme also featured Bengali pop star Nurjahan Shilpi, Bollywood vocalists Shama and Shahid, and headline performances from Bhangra stars Angrej Ali and Shin DCS, who brought the event to a lively close with popular songs that had the audience singing and dancing along.

    The mix of music, dance and food helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, bringing people together to enjoy the different cultures that are part of Dartford’s community life.

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

    “Dartford Mela is a great example of how culture can bring people together. It was lovely to see local performers sharing the stage with established artists and to see the community supporting the event. These celebrations are important because they give people a chance to enjoy different cultures, support local talent and come together in a positive way. I would like to thank the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE, the volunteers, performers, partners and everyone who helped make the Mela happen.”

  • 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.