Olympics lovers are in for a treat as a fantastic festival of light comes to town.

To celebrate London 2012 and the launch of the Cultural Olympiad - a showcase of arts and cultural events - Gravesham Borough Council and partners, including the North West Kent Racial Equality Council (NWKREC) and Kent County Council, have organised a free community event.

The festival, which is coming to town today, will see a school parade of 450 children starting outside Woodville Halls at 7pm, then going down the High Street to finish at the bandstand area of Gravesend Promenade at 7.45pm.

Performances

An evening of free entertainment will follow to mark the official opening of the Olympiad, including performances by Cultural Beats, Northfleet Brass, Four by Four Bhangra Group and Bloco Fogo Samba.

Assistant director of the NWKREC Gurvinder Sandher said: "We wanted to put a marker down for 2012. It is an excellent way for young people to get involved and to promote positive community relationships. "We have 11 schools involved and want to build on this year on year with the hope of having a carnival in Gravesham in 2012."