Flags flying, dragons, knights and jesters jostling for space in the high street, and - most importantly of all - hundreds of people of all ages coming together to celebrate their country.

Scenes such as these are what St George’s Day should be all about, and it is difficult to envisage a town doing a better job of celebrating our national day than Dartford.

More than 500 children from nine local schools gathered alongside icons of English folklore outside the civic centre at Friday lunchtime, generating enough noise to drown out even the sound of trains passing through the nearby station.

Among the famous faces was the patron saint himself, happily posing for photos with excited youngsters.

Even the politicians were excited, with MP Gareth Johnson and Mayor of Dartford Cllr Ian Armitt getting well into the spirit of the afternoon.

For the MP, seeing so many gather to join in the fun represented his hometown at its best.

“The turnout is actually getting bigger every year and these kinds of community events are a really wonderful way of bringing Dartford together,” he said.

“It is Dartford at its best and we are getting more and more people coming along to celebrate our national day. It really is great, this is a really nice event to be part of.”

He and the Mayor were among those who then led the school children through the town for a noisy and colourful parade.

It would seem that no bridge in Dartford is safe from congestion, as the walkway leading from the train station to the Orchard Shopping Centre was jam packed as the parade made its way across to reach the town centre.

Ensuring nobody on the high street could possibly miss the commotion, brass bands, morris dancers and Indian drummers were on hand to make plenty of noise.

Dozens of shoppers stopped to capture the festivities on their phones, with plenty of proud parents watching on keen to spot their children amidst the rabble.

Michelle Mundy, 34, said: “This is lovely for the kids - I have two in there I am looking out for from West Hill.

“There seems to be a lot more children involved than last year, which is really good to see.”

Billie Morrison, 38, was on the lookout for her daughter, who attends Fleetdown Primary School.

“I think it is really important that the schools still make a big deal out of St George’s Day and it gets the kids out doing something different,” she said.

“There are all different communities and nationalities involved as well - it is lovely!”

Older generations were also out in force to support the parade.

Barbara and Brian Ellison, both 69, came along from Wilmington to try and spot their grandchildren.

“It is good that the council put this on, the country as a whole should make more of St George’s Day because we are losing our identity a bit,” said Brian.

“The school children can learn a bit of history from all this.”

Barbara added: “This is the first time we have come to see the parade in Dartford, we will try to be back next year!”

Having weaved its way through the town centre, the parade then arrived in Central Park, where the crowds enjoyed some live music and a singalong or two at the band stand.

It may not have been the warmest or sunniest of afternoons, and the rain did eventually start to rain on the parade, but the spirits of those in attendance was not dampened.

There was a rousing rendition of God Save the Queen, before everyone joined in to sing Happy Birthday to the reigning monarch in honour of her 90th birthday the day before.

Council leader Jeremy Kite then took to the microphone, briefly turning pantomime villain when he dare suggested such an event was worthy of a council tax hike, and was delighted to see so many people in the park despite the conditions.

“As always I am very pleased that we do this - it is a wonderful event and the extra spice of it being the Queen’s birthday makes it even better,” he said.

“I know some councils do not do it, but they are missing out. I am very proud of it. We introduced it eight years ago and I am absolutely delighted with it - it has been one of our best decisions!”

Not that Dartford council is the sole organiser of the town’s annual St George’s celebrations.

Once again the event was put on in partnership with Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council, who also put on a similarly popular showcase of national pride in Gravesend.

For more from Dartford's St George's Day celebrations, including plenty of extra photos, pick up this coming Thursday's Dartford Messenger.