A record number of children took part in parades to mark St George’s Day in two town centres.

Hundreds of pupils from numerous schools walked, sang and danced in Gravesend and Dartford on Friday.

They were joined by an array of performers, including brass bands, dhol and djembe drummers, cheer leaders, stilt walkers, a giant dragon and Saint George himself.

The festivities in Gravesend town centre began in the morning, outside St George’s Church, with 10 schools and 700 children in the crowd.

The Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Peter Scollard and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Rosemary Dymond were also in attendance.

Despite poor weather, the celebrations continued with a second parade in Dartford taking place in the afternoon with 10 schools and 600 pupils.

Chief officer and director of corporate services at Dartford council, Sarah Martin, said: “It’s a wonderful sight to see the parade set off from the Civic Centre through the town centre, and we know how much local people enjoy seeing it every year.”

The procession finished in Central Park where the national anthem was sung and the flag of Saint George was waved with pride by children.

Dartford mayor Cllr Rosanna Currans and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent Kelvin Holford also joined in.

The festivities were hosted by Cohesion Plus and supported by Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Gravesham and Dartford councils, charities, Arts Council England and Same Sky.

The aim of the events was to celebrate diverse England, bringing communities together and educating young people about Saint George, the patron saint of England.

Director of communities at Gravesham Council Jamie Izzard said: “I would like to thank the team at Cohesion Plus for helping to deliver another brilliant event, and of course all of the teachers and children who make this day so special every year.”

Artsitic director of Cohesion Plus, Gurvinder Sandher, said: “We should all be proud of what was achieved.

“Despite the poor forecast the schools came out and participated in these community celebrations highlighting what can be achieved when we all work together.

“For me it is vital we use events like Saint George’s Day to bring communities together, to create shared experiences and celebrate what unites us rather than divides us.”

Further celebrations continued on Saturday as street performers returned to Dartford town centre and a live DJ played English pop songs throughout the day.