A colourful kaleidescope of light shone through the town centre as the Cultural Olympiad was launched in Gravesend.

More than 400 school children, teachers and parents took part in a Festival of Light parade which made its way from the Civic Centre to Fort Gardens on Friday evening.

The event was organised by North West Kent Racial Equality Council (NWKREC) in partnership with Cultural Beats Project, Gravesham Borough Council and Kent County Council to mark the national launch of the Cultural Olympiad which will build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Once the parade arrived at Fort Gardens the Cultural Olympiad was officially launched by the Mayor of Gravesham Councillor Ken Jones in a special ceremony which saw the London 2012 flag raised.

Crowds were entertained with performances across the age spectrum including Cultural Beats, Four by Four, Lethal Soundz and Bloco Fog, followed by a colourful fireworks display.