Yoga, street theatre, storytelling and magic shows were just some of the things thousands of people enjoyed at a new festival.

More than 1,500 people attended the first ever Ebbsfleet Fusion Festival on Saturday.

Crowds were entertained by a range of performers including the Kings of Dhol, who played an interactive fusion set of Dhol drumming and Bhangra which had everybody up and dancing, Sinini Ngwenya sang songs of the legendary Bob Marley, DDFK Brass did a set of top pop chart hits and the Victory Sisters sang classic songs from the 1930s and 1940s.

They were joined by walkabout performances from Chinese Lions, superheroes and princesses, a magician, stilt walkers and street dancers.

Other activities included workshops for children around the themes of music and an interactive storytelling session.

These were supplemented by a range of well-being activity for adults, from yoga to talks about good mental health and well-being.

Artistic director of community event organisers Cohesion Plus Gurvinder Sandher said: "I am proud of what we were able to achieve, not only in terms of the artistic programme and the children’s activities but also around promoting good mental health and well-being.

"It was pleasing to see so many local residents coming out and having fun and connecting with each other. For me, the event highlights how the arts can connect communities, and I am so grateful to our partners who worked alongside us to create these special memories for all those who attended."

The family event at the Platinum Jubilee Park – which was officially opened on the day – was produced by Cohesion Plus in partnership with Blueprint Arts and supported by the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, KCC Reconnect Programme and Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

Blue Print Arts also created a young persons'-led corner as part of their Young Producer project which included a photographer and silent disco.

Laura Bailey, cultural development manager at Ebbsfleet Development Corporation which commissioned the events for Ebbsfleet, added: "The happy smiling faces of so many local residents says it all.

"I am incredibly grateful to the organisers, artists and staff who worked really hard to create such a brilliant, positive day for people.

"These kind of creative, community events are a great way to bring people together and to promote a sense of community."