Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Tag: Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL

  • 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.”

  • 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.”

  • Faith Leaders Come Together at Rochester Cathedral to Celebrate Unity and Collaboration

    Faith Leaders Come Together at Rochester Cathedral to Celebrate Unity and Collaboration

    Faith Leaders Come Together at Rochester Cathedral to Celebrate Unity and Collaboration

    Over 30 faith organisations and community organisations from across Kent and Medway gathered at Rochester Cathedral on Wednesday 12 November for a special Inter Faith event hosted by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain, in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

    The event brought together leaders and members from a wide range of faiths alongside cadets from Kent Police and the Armed Forces, highlighting the spirit of unity, respect, and mutual understanding that exists across the county.

    The aim of the gathering was to celebrate the positive contributions faith groups make to their local communities and to create opportunities for networking and collaboration between organisations. Attendees shared experiences, built new connections, and explored how they could continue to work together to support community cohesion and wellbeing across Kent and Medway.

    Speaking after the event, Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council, said:

    “Events like this are vital in bringing people of all faiths and backgrounds together. They remind us of the shared values that unite our communities – compassion, service, and respect. By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, we can continue to strengthen understanding and cohesion across Kent and Medway.”

    HM Lord-Lieutenant Lady Colgrain praised the work of local faith leaders and volunteers, recognising their ongoing role in supporting communities through challenging times and fostering a sense of togetherness.

    The event formed part of Inter Faith Week, a national initiative that promotes understanding and cooperation among the UK’s diverse faith communities.

  • Gravesend Community Celebrates Diwali with Joy and Togetherness

    Gravesend Community Celebrates Diwali with Joy and Togetherness

    Gravesend Community Celebrates Diwali with Joy and Togetherness

    Gravesend came alive with colour, music, and celebration on Friday 14th November as the community gathered to mark Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The event was organised by the Kent Equality Cohesion Council (KECC) in partnership with Cohesion Plus, and placed a special emphasis on engaging residents aged 65 and over.

    The celebration featured an exciting line-up of performances, including live music from Replay Music, energetic routines by the 4×4 Bhangra Group, and powerful drumming from the Kings of Dhol. The event aimed to bring people together to share in the spirit of Diwali while tackling issues of isolation among older members of the community.

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

    “Diwali is a time to celebrate light, hope, and new beginnings, and it was heartwarming to see our community come together in that spirit. Events like this are so important, particularly for our older residents, many of whom have faced isolation in recent years. Providing opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, and feel valued is at the heart of what we do, and this event showed the real power of community cohesion in action.”

    The Kent Equality Cohesion Council continues to work across North Kent to promote equality, foster positive community relations, and celebrate diversity and cohesion through inclusive events and activities.

  • 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.”

  • Vaisakhi Celebrations in Gravesham

    Vaisakhi Celebrations in Gravesham

    Vaisakhi Celebrations in Gravesham

    Thousands gathered in Gravesend to celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar, in a colourful and joyful celebration that brought together communities from across Gravesham and beyond.

    Organised by the Management Committee of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, the event featured a vibrant procession through the town, traditional music, and food served to all in the spirit of sewa (selfless service), one of the core principles of Sikhism.

    The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara has become a focal point for interfaith and intercultural engagement, and the Vaisakhi celebrations continue to highlight the rich diversity of North Kent and the important contributions of the Sikh community to the social and cultural life of the region.

    Among those in attendance was Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council, who attended in his official capacity as Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain. He is the first of Sikh faith to hold the title in Kent.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL commented after the event “Vaisakhi is not just a celebration for the Sikh community—it’s a moment that brings people of all backgrounds together in a spirit of unity, service, and gratitude. The values we see at the heart of this event—equality, compassion, and community—are ones that resonate far beyond religious or cultural lines and also are the core values of KECC and drives our work locally.”

    Vaisakhi Celebrations on Gravesend

  • Maidstone Welcomes the Year of the Snake with Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebrations

    Maidstone Welcomes the Year of the Snake with Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebrations

    Maidstone Welcomes the Year of the Snake with Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebrations

    Maidstone marked the arrival of the Year of the Snake with a spectacular Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday 1st February. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional celebration for many East and Southeast Asian cultures. It signifies the start of the lunar calendar year and is typically observed with family reunions, feasts, and cultural traditions aimed at bringing good luck, health, and prosperity for the year ahead.

    The event, produced by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Council in partnership with the Maidstone Cultural Group and Maidstone Borough Council, brought together communities to celebrate this important occasion.

    The festivities commenced on Jubilee Square with a traditional ‘Dotting of the Eyes’ ceremony, a symbolic ritual that awakens the Dancing Lions. The ceremony was led by Michael Lam, a member of the Maidstone Cultural Group and a local business owner, alongside Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council. They were joined by special guests, including Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Andrew Wood and Mayor of Maidstone Cllr John Perry.

    Following the ceremony, the Dancing Lions took centre stage, captivating the crowds with their energetic and mesmerizing movements. The artistic program continued with a range of performances, including the SOAS Chinese Music Ensemble, who enchanted audiences with traditional Shanghai Tea Room melodies, and award-winning dancer Zihan Liu, who delivered a series of exquisite performances inspired by Chinese theatre.

  • Dev Sharma MBE Chair of Kent Equality Cohesion Council 1940-2024

    Dev Sharma MBE Chair of Kent Equality Cohesion Council 1940-2024

    Dev Sharma MBE Chair of Kent Equality Cohesion Council 1940-2024

    It is with great sadness that Kent Equality Cohesion Council announces the passing of its Chair Dev Sharma MBE following a short illness.

    Dev worked tirelessly in the community since the 1970’s promoting community cohesion and assisting victims of racial harassment. This work led him in helping to establish the Dartford and District Racial Equality Council in 1990 working with like-minded members from the local community including the Chair Darshan Singh Sandhu MBE.

    His vision and dedication then led to the expansion of this work beyond Dartford and the establishment of the North West Kent Racial Equality Council in 1999, further amplifying his lifelong commitment to justice and fairness. An organisation he continued to lead until his retirement in 2010.

    In the period prior to the publication of the Macpherson Report in 1999, work around equality and diversity was incredibly rare with limited funding and overall lack of visibility in the charity sector. In this respect, Dev was a trailblazer, championing partnership working between the public sector and the community sector and seeking opportunities to bring communities together to celebrate what unites rather than divides. Dev established long term partnerships with Dartford Borough Council, Kent County Council, Gravesham Borough Council and Kent Police which still remain strong today.

    In 2006, Dev’s extraordinary contributions to the community were recognized when he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen. Even after retiring in 2010, his legacy continued to inspire those dedicated to promoting equality and understanding.

    Dev’s service extended beyond racial equality. As an active member of Lions Club International, he demonstrated an unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes, embodying the spirit of selfless service and leadership.

    Following his retirement in 2010 he was elected Chair of the newly formed Kent Equality Cohesion Council, a role he performed with great distinction against the backdrop of raising community tensions and challenging economic outlook.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL “I am deeply saddened by the passing of not just a colleague and mentor, but also my dear friend. I had the great pleasure of working closely with Dev since 1999 and learnt so much from him over the years. He was an inspirational leader and someone who was always willing to help others. I am incredibly grateful that, even after his retirement, Dev remained on hand to guide me through countless challenges and was with me during all the successes. Dev Sharma MBE leaves behind a profound legacy of compassion, advocacy and service. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions will continue to shape the communities he so passionately served in North Kent and the Kent Equality Cohesion Council that he led for so many years. I will miss his guidance and friendship.”

  • Wrotham Festival of Light brings colour for another year

    Wrotham Festival of Light brings colour for another year

    Wrotham Festival of Light brings colour for another year

    The coming of another autumn marked the return of the annual and much loved Wrotham Festival of Light on Friday 11th October. The festival, which every year attracts hundreds of attendees from the local village and surrounding areas is now in its 11th year is still popular as ever.

    The event was organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Saint Georges Primary School and Same Sky Arts. It was supported by Arts Council England and Wrotham Parish Council.

    The village was transformed with an array of colourful light installations around the theme of wildlife which attendees were able to interact and take photos with. The main attraction was the vibrant lantern parade which featured musical acts such as the Kings of Dhol, internationally renowned Dhol drumming troupe who are experts in the percussion which hails from North India as well as Bloco Fogo Samba who brought the sounds of the Brazilian carnival to the celebrations.

    The crowds were also entertained by The Charlie Chaplin Show, a popular street act hailing from Covent Garden and usually performed on the South Bank circuit.

    The lantern parade was led by the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling Cllr Steve Hammond and Deputy Lieutenant Louise Bryant and the Headteacher of Saint George’s Primary School Wrotham Elizabeth Rye. They were followed by hundreds of children parents and guardians as the parade made its way up from the Saint George’s Church to the cricket ground. Once at the cricket ground there was spectacular fireworks display provided by local business Phoenix Fireworks which drew loud applause from those in attendance.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “I am so proud of what we were able to achieve working in partnership. As a nation we have had a testing few months with the riots in the summer a recent memory. Events like this show what can be achieved when we all work together for the better good and celebrate what unites us rather than divides us. I am proud of how the Wrotham Festival of Light has developed over the years and how many local residents come out to support it every year regardless of age, background or faith.”