Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Tag: Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL CEO of KECC

  • Vaisakhi in Gravesham

    Vaisakhi in Gravesham

    Thousands Celebrate Vaisakhi in Gravesham

    Vaisakhi celebrations took place in Gravesham on Saturday 18th April to mark the founding of the Sikh faith as well as the beginning of the harvest year, and are traditionally celebrated in India with a procession from the local Gurdwara and through the surrounding villages.

    Organised by Gurdwara Management Committee, the local procession comprising of thousands of attendees began from Gravesend Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara and made its way through the town centre. The procession featured traditional music as well as the giving out of free food and drinks to onlookers and attendees alike in the spirit of Sewa (selfless service), one of the main pillars of the Sikh faith.

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council was honoured that its CEO Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL was able to attend in his capacity as Deputy Lieutenant, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain. He commented,
    “Vaisakhi is wonderful celebration that displays the amazing, rich diversity of North Kent and the amazing contributions the Sikh community have made to the fabric of society in the area. Vaisakhi is not just a celebration for those of the Sikh faith, rather it’s an opportunity for everyone from all walks of life to come together in the spirit of unity, celebration and equality. I am honoured beyond words to haven been able to attend not just as a member of the Sikh faith but also as the first Sikh Deputy Lieutenant in Kent. It is particularly heart-warming to see everyone together celebrating as one. I hold great faith that the unity on display during the celebrations is a true reflection of British society.”

  • 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.”

  • 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.”

  • Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival

    Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival

    Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival

    The 19th annual Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival took place on Sunday 20th July and was a resounding success. Produced by Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus, the free event once again delivered a family themed celebration which brought the many communities of Royal Tunbridge Wells together.

    Despite the classic unpredictability of the British summer hundreds of people turned out to support the Mela which at its heart, champions diversity and celebrates community cohesion. Festivalgoers enjoyed a packed programme of performances from midday to evening as well as a sumptuous offer of food from around the world.

    The High Sheriff of Kent Jonathon Neame, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Lord Evans and Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Cllr David Osborne were also in attendance and joined in with the festivities

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC and producer of the Mela, commented:

    “It’s always a pleasure to return to Tunbridge Wells and deliver the Mela Festival which is a beloved event in the borough’s calendar. The Mela Festival will always be a wonderful example of how the many diverse communities of the area can come together to celebrate what connects them through a colourful programme of ethnically diverse acts. The Mela Festival is always so warmly received and this year was no different despite the early heavy rain. We look forward to 2026 and delivering another unifying, colourful event.”

  • St Georges Day 2025

    St Georges Day 2025

    St George’s Day 2025

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council, in partnership with Cohesion Plus, and Dartford Borough Council, brought the communities of Gravesham and Dartford together for a joyful celebration of Saint George’s Day on April 23rd.

    The annual festivities are a much-anticipated and beloved tradition in the local calendar, celebrating the patron saint of England as well as what it means to be British in modern day Britain.

    In the lead-up to the day, some 1200 pupils participated in creative arts workshops led by Same Sky, producing Saint George-themed shields, dragons, and banners featuring messages of friendship, unity, and community. These artworks were proudly displayed during the parades, bringing colour and joy to the town centres.

    Alongside the parade, crowds were treated to an elective and culturally diverse programme of entertainment, which was reflective of the diverse communities in the towns.

    Speaking about the event, Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC and producer of the celebrations, said:

    “St George’s Day is an opportunity to highlight all that brings us together and to celebrate who we are as a nation. The celebrations provide an opportunity to promote inclusion, welcoming all regardless of ethnicity, faith and background. We are stronger together than divided and it’s important to amplify this message especially amongst young people.”

  • Inter Faith Reception

    Inter Faith Reception

    Inter Faith Reception

    HM Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain hosted the first Inter Faith Reception with support from Deputy Lieutenant Gurvinder Sandher MBE and the Kent Equality Cohesion Council. The reception took place on Monday 11th November and looked to bring faith and community representatives together from across the county.

    In total 20 faith representatives attended the reception at County Hall in Maidstone where the Chairman of KCC, Byran Sweetland very kindly provided the use of his rooms. Each representative had the opportunity to speak with the Lord-Lieutenant Lady Colgrain around their experiences and the work being done with their congregations as well as their local communities. The reception also provided an opportunity for those in attendance to learn from their peers and promote positive relationships between faith groups in the county.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented, “We are very lucky to enjoy such strong relationships across faiths and communities here in Kent and the purpose of this reception was to build upon those relationships and reaffirm our partnership. It also provided an opportunity for open discourse as well as to celebrate our unity. I am incredibly grateful to the faith representatives that took the time to attend and support the initiative. Work of this nature is only as successful as the buy in received from partners and I am glad that they had an opportunity to attend and speak with the Lord-Lieutenant who I know was moved by the work being done. We hope the success of the reception spurs on future Inter Faith activity working alongside the Kent Lieutenancy.”

  • Vaisakhi 2024

    Vaisakhi 2024

    Vaisakhi 2024

    The CEO of KECC was delighted to attend the 2024 Vaisakhi celebrations in his capacity as Deputy Lieutenant on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant Lady Colgrain who is His Majesty the King’s representative for Kent.

    The festivities took place on Saturday 13th April in Gravesham and were attended by thousands from all over Kent and further afield. Organised and delivered by Gravesend Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, the annual festivities celebrate the founding of the Sikh faith and are the biggest in the south of England.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented, “It was an absolute honour to be invited to attend this year’s Vaisakhi celebrations in my hometown, especially in my capacity as Deputy Lieutenant. This time of year is a special one and incredibly important to myself and all Sikhs around the world. I would like to thank all the countless volunteers who dedicated their free time to make this year’s celebrations some of the best yet.

  • Archbishop of Canterbury hosts KECC at Community Regeneration Event

    Archbishop of Canterbury hosts KECC at Community Regeneration Event

    Archbishop of Canterbury hosts KECC at Community Regeneration Event

    The Archbishop of Canterbury hosted a special Collaboration for Community Regeneration and Growth event to which KECC’s Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL was invited to attend. The event took place on Tuesday 26th March in Maidstone and was also attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent Lady Colgrain, Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Gordon Newton and KCC Chair Cllr Gary Wood.

    The event was an opportunity for key figures in the county to come together and highlight the positive community work taking place in their boroughs and to discuss ways in which further work could be done by fostering new partnerships and relationships for the overall benefit of Kent.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented, “It was a great honour to be invited and have an opportunity to talk to the Archbishop about community cohesion and the work we do across the county, breaking down perceived barriers and celebrating cultural differences as well as shared common values.”

  • Thousands turn up for Dartford Festival of Light!

    Thousands turn up for Dartford Festival of Light!

    Thousands turn up for Dartford Festival of Light!

    The 14th annual Dartford Festival of Light took place on Friday 17th November in Dartford Town Centre to huge success and was supported by Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus, Dartford Borough Council and KKB Group.

    The event attracted record numbers, with around 1500 taking part in the parade element of the event and local 13 local schools taking part in the creative workshops ahead of the festivities, creating lanterns around the themes of community, unity, friendship and tolerance.

    Civic guests were also in attendance including Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Roseanna Currans, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite, Gareth Johnson MP and Chairman of the KCC Cllr Gary Cooke. The festival climaxed with a free fireworks display in Central Park which was enjoyed by those in attendance.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, event organiser and CEO of KECC commented, “We are so proud with this year’s celebrations and the record turnout of attendees, old, urban and rural, from different faiths and backgrounds, all of who came out to support as residents of Dartford. Special thanks of course go to Dartford Borough Council for their ongoing partnership as well our event sponsors KKB, local business who put community at the heart of what they do.”

  • Dartford Black History Month Celebrations

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations

    KECC working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and community partners organised an extensive programme of events to celebrate Black History Month 2023 in Dartford. This has included events in the Town Centre, Temple Hill and Ebbsfleet as well as a series of workshops in local schools.

    On Monday October 9th a Civic event attended by Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford, KCC Chairman Cllr Gary Cooke, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Jeremy Kite and Mayor of Dartford Cllr Rosanna Currans took place at the Crossways Community Church in Dartford.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL and Elliese Bramble from KECC opened the event by welcoming those in attendance and talking about the importance of recognising the contribution of communities from Africa and the Caribbean throughout British history and not just since the end of the Second World War.

    Local community champion Garnet Johnson spoke about his family’s personal journey from the Caribbean to the UK and the many struggles they endured as well as their successes. He spoke about his connection to Dartford and the work he does with young people. Debo Brown the founder of Animation West Africa showcased the amazing work being done by the company and the rich stories and films to not only come out of Africa, but also being done in the UK by animators of African descent.

    Donovan Blair spoke after about this family’s connection to Windrush and their life in the UK as well as his experience as a first generation British born Black man. He spoke passionately about the impact that racism had throughout his life and the way he overcame it to succeed professionally as well as raise a happy biracial family.

    Andrea Vigille spoke on behalf of the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and talked about access to health as well as the steps being taken to tackle health inequalities amongst diverse communities. Bali Rodgers from Safer Communities Alliance covered the work being done by the organisation to help provide diversionary activity for young people as well as the importance of unity and community.

    Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford spoke a word of thanks to all those in attendance and about how Dartford was one community regardless of background.

    Community partners and caterers Dela Oresanwo and Rebecca Ajewole closed the evening by talking about their local micro businesses both of which were created in the middle of lockdown amidst personal loss. Both business owners provided authentic Afro Caribbean cuisine and desserts to happy attendees.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC and event organiser, “As an organisation our whole ethos is about bringing communities together to celebrate what unites rather than divides. The simple fact is when we talk about Black history, it should not be separate from British history and I think it is often forgotten that the British ties with those from the Caribbean and African diaspora go back over hundreds of years. Those that are familiar with our work will know that we don’t just celebrate Black History only in October, but all year round just the way it should be. I would like to thank Dartford Borough Council and all our community partners for all their support for our programme this year.”