The Holi Festival of Colours turned Dartford awash with colour at the weekend.

The free community event – organised by members of the local community, alongside Cohesion Plus and Dartford Borough Council – took place at Central Park on Sunday.

The festival which originates from India marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.

Dartford's event is Kent's largest, with more than 1,000 attendees.

Activities included colourful powders being thrown over those attending, free Indian street food, live drumming by the Kings of Dhol and music by DJ Amit.

Civic guests included Gurvinder Sandher MBE, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, the Mayor of Dartford Cllr Paul Cutler, Dartford Borough Council Leader Cllr Jeremy Kite, MP Gareth Johnson, and Mahesh Chawla, the head of chancery and protocol from the Indian High Commission.

Santosh Patil led the organisation of the event from the local community, and said: "Overall, the Holi festival in Dartford was a huge success, bringing people from all communities together in celebration of their differences and promoting cultural diversity and understanding.

"The presence of distinguished guests added an extra layer of significance to the event, making it a truly memorable experience for all those who attended.”

Gurvinder Sandher MBE said: "We were delighted to support local community partners and Dartford Borough Council with the Holi celebrations.

"The vibrant colours and the smiles on the faces of those attending made the event extra special.

"It was extra special for me as it was my first event in my new role as Deputy Lieutenant representing the Lord Lieutenant of Kent the King’s representative in the county.”

Dartford Council Leader Jeremy Kite said: “I was delighted to attend the Holi celebrations in Central Park on Sunday.

"It was great to see communities come together for such a bright and uniting event that celebrates the diversity of Dartford and brings people together. I had great fun.”