Party on the Prom

Gravesend was awash with colour as the annual Northfleet Carnival passed through town.

The crowds were as much as 12 deep in places as people gathered to get a glimpse of the floats passing by.

School, sports clubs and charities set off on their floats from Hall Road outside Northfleet School for Girls and headed down Perry Street, Pelham Road and through Gravesend town centre, along Milton Road and finishing down by the Prom.

The Get Gravesham Reading float triumphed in the youth section, while Breast Buddies, a support group for mums, won the overall prize in their first year taking part.

Dave Taylor, chairman of the organizing committee, said: “There was a lot of mayhem prior to it, but everything went well on the day.

“Big credit has to go to the Royal British Legion Riders branch, they were able to keep leapfrogging us and closing the roads ahead.”

It was then time for Party on the Prom, as top tribute acts will continue the day’s celebrations at the annual music festival.

Themed Rocking All Over The World, this year kicked off with tribute band Counterfeit Quo, who performed the rockers’ famous anthem from 2pm.

Also taking to the stage were a Rihanna tribute, Bon Jovi UK, PBN (Punjabi By Nature), Only One Direction and headliners Coldplayer.

Entertainment also took place on the river with the Summer Regatta and back on dry land, Gravesend crowned its Summer Queen with a ceremony in Fort Gardens.

Abigail Jewiss was crowned this year’s Summer Queen.

A member of Riverview Diamonds dance group, Abigail took part in a ceremony that dates back to 1948.

She has taken the role over from last year’s queen, Katie Hagen.

Abigail, whose job it is to represent the youth of the borough, is joined by Robyn Puller and Megan Rielly who make up her court.

During the festival there were performances from Darnley School of Dancing, Hayley-Lou’s School Of Dance, the Robyn Academy School of Dance and Theatre Arts and Woodville Theatre For Youth.

The crowning ceremony was performed by Canon Chris Stone, vicar at St George’s church in the town centre.

For loads more pictures, see this week's Messenger, out on Thursday.