Fireworks, lanterns and music galore helped bring some fun to a cold afternoon.

Hundreds turned out last Friday (November 22) for the Dartford Festival of Light.

Pupils from 13 schools took part in the celebrations, sporting lanterns they had created in workshops with Same Sky Arts.

Entertainment featured throughout with music from Bloco Fogo Samba, Blues group Native Oyster and band DDFK Brass.

There were also performances from juggling and acrobatic street act Covent Nick and drumming from the Kings of Dhol.

The festivities concluded with a fireworks display in Central Park.

The event, which is in its 15th year, was hosted by Cohesion Plus in partnership with Dartford council, Arts Council England, Kent Equality Cohesion Council and KKB Group.

Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Kelvin Holford, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Andy Lloyd, Leader of Dartford council Cllr Jeremy Kite, and MP Jim Dickson were among those who attended to show their support.

Artistic director of Cohesion Plus Gurvinder Sandher said: “We are once again so proud to have delivered another resounding success of a festival, bringing Dartford together to celebrate.

“The success of the event is a testament to the strength of our working relationships with local schools in the borough, Dartford council and our creative partners Same Sky Arts.

“The festival of light has long since stood as an event that celebrates what unites us as well as our shared values and we are so grateful to everyone who came out to show their support.”