Hundreds of school children are set to take to the streets for a colourful lantern parade and light festival.

Light Up, organised by One Maidstone and Cohesion Plus, will bring together pupils from six local schools for a night of illuminations and music in the heart of Maidstone.

The event starts at 5pm with live music, dancers and children’s mascots entertaining crowds.

The students, as well as some participants from local community groups, will then gather at County Hall to carry their homemade lanterns through the town.

The procession will continue through Week Street and end in Jubilee Square at 7.30pm.

Michelle Woodland, CEO of One Maidstone, said: “February is well known for its dark evenings and reasons to stay home and hibernate. The Light Up Maidstone festival aims to bring light into the town and encourage people to venture out to enjoy a variety of professional performers and view the beautiful lanterns on parade, created by the participating local schools and community groups.”

The event is completely free to attend and aims to showcase local art and support wellbeing in the community.

“This will be a beautiful spectacle of light, colours and music,” adds Stephen Thompson of Maidstone Borough Council. “Come along and watch the parade of lanterns and entertainers weave its way through the town centre. The parade will culminate in a dazzling light show – a must see.”

Light Up Maidstone takes place on Friday, February 7.

On the same day, the Hearts of the Town wellness trail also launches in Maidstone.

The trail, also organised by One Maidstone, runs until Friday, February 28 and follows large, heart-shaped sculptures dotted around Fremlin Walk and The Mall.

Visitors can pin supportive messages to the sculptures and be in with a chance of winning prizes that have been donated by the Hazlitt Theatre, Vineta Flower Gallery and N2 Sweet Lab.