The town came to life on Saturday with a myriad of colours and sounds as Gravesend hosted its first Fusion Festival.

The aim was to celebrate food and music from around the world, with the majority of the food stalls – which included delicacies from Britain, China, India and Africa – and artists coming from North Kent.

Festival director Gurvinder Sandher said: “I was very pleased with the support which was shown for the Fusion Festival.

“The purpose of the event was to showcase new and emerging talent on the stage and also to allow people to experience different food from around the world.

“The feedback that I’ve received has been very positive and I am hoping in partnership with Gravesham council to organise something similar next year”

The stage programme was opened by the Four by Four Bhangra Youth Club who fused the traditional sounds of the dhol drum with popular British pop and American R&B.

They were followed by alternative rock band Rainmaker which was founded by Gravesham residents Gabriel Sanghera and Michael Constantine.

The Ying Tao Chinese Association performed a traditional Chinese folk dance while Danny and Dan performed a comedy routine.

There were also performances from The Gypsy Stars, Ravi Josan and schoolgirl Gemma Moore.

The event finished with Dartford-based Steel Ambition and African artists Ayo Tikare and Joe Fowotade.

Mr Sandher added: “The feedback, not just from those who attended but also from overseas where some people watched the live web stream via Gravesham TV, has been positive.

“The village in North India where Ravi Josan comes from stayed up later into the night to watch his performance via the web. In a way we were showcasing the talent and positive community relations that we enjoy here in Gravesham not just locally but to the world.”