by Rachel Hovenden
rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

It rained and it rained and then it rained some more – but that didn’t stop the festivities.

Crowds continued to smile through the downpours as Dartford and Gravesham both hosted festivals at the weekend.

Pop Idol finalist Gareth Gates, X Factor’s Andy Abraham and Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Ronan Parke were among the line-up at this year’s Dartford Festival in Central Park.

Local groups kept the crowds entertained with a variety of dancing from ballroom and tap to belly-dancing and traditional Irish dancing.

People could try sports such as rugby, football and volleyball and there was success for the Messenger team, which won a trophy for the best commercial stand.

Over in Gravesham, world music and Eighties pop helped the summer festival get off to a great start.

The Big 7 Festival began with the Big Gig in Fort Gardens with Brazilian music, bhangra and bollywood dancing before 1980s pop group Black Lace took to the stage.

The week-long festival has seen music played in the civic square most days. The fun continues this weekend with a regatta on Saturday, July 23, and a carnival parade through the town. Later that day, there will also be a Party on the Prom and fireworks display.

See Thursday’s Messengers for more pictures.