Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Tag: Cohesion Plus

  • Gravesham South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations Brings Communities Together

    Gravesham South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations Brings Communities Together

    Gravesham South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations Brings Communities Together

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council supported Cohesion Plus in delivering an annual South Asian Heritage Month celebration in Gravesham on Tuesday 21st July. The celebration took place at The Studio in Woodville Halls and was a full house with some 150 members of the local community attending.

    There was a programme of short film screenings that showcased local community figures and grass roots organisations and the longstanding community work they have been doing over the years. The films were a continuation of Cohesion Plus produced series Big Stories Local Legends, a series that explores the lives of often unsung heroes within the community and the vast contribution they make to the lives around them.

    Civic guests included Deputy Lieutenant Gill Fargher and the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Alison Williams who addressed the audiences and spoke about the vast contributions the South Asian diaspora had made to the fabric of British society.

    One of the main parts of the evening was the presentation of the Dev Sharma MBE Community Awards which were presented to Jugjit Sian, Ejaz Aslam, Mala Singh and Cllr Gurdip Bunger for their many years of selfless volunteer work within the local community around sports, faith and community cohesion, demonstrating leadership, commitment and dedication through their work. KKB Group a local business who over recent years have done a lot of engagement and outreach work in the local community and supported different organisations and events were also recognised for their positive contribution.

    The awards are named in memory of Dev Sharma MBE, the former Chair of KECC whose contribution to community life continues to inspire efforts to recognise those who work quietly and consistently to support others.

    The celebration highlighted the strength and diversity of Gravesham’s South Asian communities and recognised the many individuals and organisations that continue to make a positive difference across the borough.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC, commented:

    “South Asian Heritage Month and celebrations like it such as Black History are not about dividing communities—they are about recognising the individuals whose hard work, dedication and commitment have made a lasting, positive impact on the people around them. By celebrating local champions on their own merits, we strengthen our shared sense of belonging, inspire future generations, and reinforce the values that make British society diverse, inclusive and united.”

  • 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.”

  • 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.”

  • 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.”