14 & 15 July 2012
Central Park, Dartford
Welcome to the Dartford Festival 2012
Dartford Festival 2012 is on its way! We'll be letting you know who's performing and when at this year's event, along with how you and your business or organisation can get involved.
Looking forward to seeing you on 14 & 15 July!
Watch the highlights from 2011 here!
You can now relive the fun of the Dartford Festival 2011 by watching the highlights on YouTube here.
Dartford Festival A Hit!
Despite heavy rain, a persistent breeze and even a rumble or two of thunder, around 30,000 visitors attended the 75th Dartford Festival in Central Park this weekend.
Fans of Ronan Parke braved the weather to see him headline the main stage on Saturday. The 12-year-old Britain's Got Talent runner-up covered a range of songs from 'Because of You' by Kelly Clarkson to Cee Lo Green's 'Forget You', to the delight of his screaming fans.
Headlining the main stage on Sunday night was Gareth Gates, who opened his set with a rendition of Bryan Adams' 'Summer of 69'. He then went on to perform a mixture of covers, including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns n Roses, and a couple of his own songs.
Britain's Got Talent stars Michael Collings, Jean Martyn and New Bounce also drew in the crowds despite the rain.
Away from the main stage, visitors armed with umbrellas and waterproofs roamed the Festival site, trying out the different activities on offer and visiting the charity and commercial stalls and the funfair.
Over in the youth zone, 5th Dartford Scouts were showing off their pioneering skills, having built a swing bridge and a climbing frame. Kent Youth Service ran a very popular stall offering hair-braiding, bath salt making and face-painting.
The sports activities were also popular, with visitors trying archery, slacklining, football and rugby, plus finding out about sailing opportunities with Erith Yacht Club.
Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council, said, "The Dartford Festival is always a great event and this year was no exception, despite the weather. We're always looking to make our events bigger and better so let us know what you think about the Festival by filling in our online survey."
