An exhibition celebrating Gravesham’s St George’s Day parade has opened in the town.

The parade has been bringing together thousands of school children in Gravesend town centre since 2008.

But it was forced to go virtual for the last two years due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Now it's returning to the civic square on Friday, April 22 in an event jointly staged by Gravesham council and arts and community organisers Cohesion Plus.

Today, an exhibition of photographs capturing some iconic images from previous events opened at the St George’s Arts Centre, with a visit from the mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Lyn Milner.

Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, Gravesham council’s cabinet member for community and leisure said: “We are justly proud of the borough’s St George’s Day celebrations.

“We have an incredibly diverse community, celebrating many different events of importance to many different cultures. Our St George’s parade brings together the youngest members of those communities to celebrate as one and helps develop a sense of togetherness and cohesion among those from a myriad of backgrounds.”

He added that while at one time Gravesham was the only area in Kent to celebrate St George’s Day in this way, its success had lead many other councils to follow its lead.

Gurvinder Sandher of Cohesion Plus, the St George’s Day festival producer, said: “I am so proud of what we have achieved with our celebrations.

“I never envisaged all those years ago that they would grow and develop as they have to become one of the highlights of the local calendar.

“I passionately believe that this is a great example of how we can use the arts to bring communities together and celebrate all that binds us together.”

As well as the photographic exhibition, St George’s Arts Centre is also hosting a workshop with Hysterical History on Thursday, April 14 at 11am.

A session will also take place for youngsters to help decorate a dragon for this year’s parade at 11am on April 15.

All three events are free.