Town centres were brought to a standstill as hundreds of people joined Saint George's Day parades.

There were eight schools and 400 pupils involved in the celebrations in Gravesend on Friday which saw drummers, stilt walkers and of course George and the dragon walk the high street.

In Dartford, another eight schools and 450 pupils took part in the borough's own parade along with council leader Jeremy Kite and MP Gareth Johnson.

The festivities in both Gravesend and Dartford were organised by Cohesion Plus in partnership with Kent Equality Cohesion Council, supported by Gravesham council, Dartford council and Arts Council England.

The aim of the event, held in person for the first time in two years, was to celebrate diverse England, bringing communities together as well as educating young people about Saint George, the patron Saint of England.

The festivities started in Gravesend in the morning and then moved on to Dartford in the afternoon.

In Gravesend the parade started at Saint George’s Church and went through the town centre before finishing in Community Square where the children sang Happy Birthday to Her Majesty the Queen before the flag of Saint George was raised.

The parade through Dartford, led by north Kent resident Russell Palmer in full Saint George costume, headed to Central Park where the children taking part also sang Happy Birthday.

Dartford held further celebrations on Saturday, with an array of performers including Premier Brass Band and Baja Beats UK as well as a DJ who played English themed pop songs throughout the day.

Gurvinder Sandher, artistic director of Cohesion Plus, said for the past two years they had been limited to online celebrations so it was great to be back in person.

He added: “It was so wonderful to see so many smiley faces both young and old. Events like this bring communities together and showcase how the arts can connect people. I have said before and I will say again, other parts of the country can learn from our collective community approach to Saint George’s Day.”

Cllr Shane Mochrie Cox, cabinet member for community and leisure at Gravesham council, said: "It was brilliant to see so many young people enjoying themselves and celebrating our historic patron saint.

"It's said that St George's Day is to bring peace and joy, well it wasn't peaceful with all of the lovely music and fun, but there was certainly a lot of joy. Thank you to all involved."

Leader of Dartford council Cllr Jeremy Kite said: “We pride ourselves on being one of the Saint Georgiest Towns in the country. After a difficult couple of years everyone needs a lift and it was great seeing the community come together to celebrate.”