Dartford Festival 17-18 July: Something for Everyone
Music fans, gardeners, local artists and craftspeople are all eagerly looking forward to Dartford Festival, which is just one week away.
The festival competitions – photography, flowers, cakes – are open to all ages, with special classes for under 18s. Confirmed acts for the main stage include the ‘X’ Factor’s Stacey Solomon and Jamie Archer; ‘Twist and Pulse’, Tobias Mead and Paul Burling from ‘Britain’s Got Talent’; Bobby Davro; and Len Goodman (see full programme below).
Frank Brown, Leisure Services Manager at Dartford Borough Council, said: “Dartford Festival is about free, big-name entertainment, but it’s also got the traditional fête elements: there’s space for all of us, old and young, to show off our own creative work. It’s always a pleasure to see the effort that has gone into stalls and competitions.
“The calibre of performers and growing catchment area of the visitors show that with careful planning and attention to detail, the Festival is going from strength to strength. Last year 20,000 people turned out to see Stavros Flatley on the main stage – this year we’re going to have big screens so nobody misses out.”
Gardening Stars
Among the celebrities at this year’s Festival is horticulturalist and broadcaster, Tom Hart Dyke, creator of the “World Garden” at Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford. The garden is laid out as a world map and contains over 10,000 plant species. Hart Dyke risked life and limb to build this collection, enduring a nine-month kidnap ordeal in South America while hunting for rare orchids.
From Riverside Nursery, George Puddefoot, the leading authority on fuchsias, will display entries from the hanging basket competition in Sutton-at-Hone.
Broad palette
There will be a gallery display of local art and at the Exhibition Marquee, crafts enthusiasts like the Young Quilters will be displaying their work.
Says Ruth Howard of Dartford Art Group: “We will be there painting, children will be able to take up brush and canvas, and we’ll be on hand to give advice. Dartford Art Group has been meeting weekly for over sixty years, and that kind of record only comes about by attracting new members.”
In the Youth Zone, Dartford Youth Council will be bringing graffiti art, as well as offering Have Your Say Corner, competitions and games.
Notes for Editors
Main stage timetable
Saturday
12:00 The Official opening by the Mayor of Dartford
12:15 CITV’s Chris Till
12:20 This Blank Page
12:40 Paula Gosnell School of Dance
13:00 Adelaide
13:30 CITV’s Chris Till
13:45 Eastern Dance Bellydancers
14:05 Linda Fryday’s Irish Dancers
14:20 Dartford Football Club
14:30 Britain’s Got Talent acts including Taboo; Twist and Pulse; Paul Burling
15:30 Portlan – formerly Nemesis
15:45 Lady Gaga tribute
16:45 Saturday’s tribute
17:45 The Real Thing
18:30 Twist and Pulse
18:45 CITV’s Chris Till
19:00 Jamie Archer
19:15 Finish
Sunday
11:00 Worship in the Park
12:10 Local Band
12:40 John Innes – “The People’s Tenor”
13:15 Beer Pressure
13:45 Hannah Montana tribute
14:30 Tobias Mead
14:40 Rod Stewart tribute
15:15 Bobby Davro
15:30 Chas And His Band
16:30 Queen tribute
17:30 Stacey Solomon
18:00 Tobias Mead
18:15 Take That tribute
19:00 Finish
Getting to the Dartford Festival
By Bus: 423, 433, 489, 414, 455, 477, 480, 490 & Fastrack
By Rail: Dartford BR Station.
Disabled parking via Cranford Road, Dartford, DA1 1JP
Festival Car Parking In Acacia Hall, High Street, Dartford DA1 1DJ.
Parking costs: £3.00 per car.
Festival essentials (www.dartfordfestival.co.uk)
Competitions are not restricted to Dartford residents. Entry forms are available at: www.dartford.gov.uk/festival/competitions.
- Lost Children: the control tent, First Aid and lost children point are all located near the Cranford Road entrance to the park. Free identibands for children will be provided by the Dartford Community Safety Unit (next to the control tent).
- Lost Property: any lost property will be taken to Acacia Hall and kept for a period of six weeks. Please contact the office on 01322 343470 for details.
- Dogs: Past experience has shown this event is not suitable for dogs. A combination of heat, crowds and noise can upset even the most placid household pet.
- For everyone’s safety, comfort and enjoyment: stewards and security will be on site throughout this weekend. If you have any questions or experience any problems during your visit, please contact a member of staff.
- Large amounts of alcohol and glass bottles are not permitted to be brought on site and barbeques are prohibited.
