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They had a festival to go to. And here’s what happened when they got there.

The Dartford Festival can always be relied upon to provide a good time. No matter what age you are or what music you are interested in, there’s something for all the family. Last year saw the assorted talents of Chaz and Dave and The Drifters come to Central Park.

This year the musical entertainment concentrated heavily on popular stars of X-Factor such as Chico and Ben Mills and tribute bands and solo artists covering a range as diverse as The Beach Boys through the Kylie Minogue. To top it all, Seventies Legends The Real Thing came down all the way from Liverpool.

Spread over the course of the weekend of 22 and 23 July, events on the main stage covered not just music but dance too. The spirit of the Near East was expertly captured by ladies from the Mick Jagger Centre performing their Belly Dancing, much to the excitement of BBC Kent’s very own Paul James who was MCing the event.

The festival was a celebration of the creative talents from around the area. Not only were the dancers local to the Dartford and Gravesham area, but so were many of the musical performers. Claire Graydon James opened proceedings with a selection of songs demonstrating her clear vocal talent including a powerful rendition of Gershwin’s Summertime.

Local Connections

She was then followed by a performance from M Connection, a band developed from the Connect 3 Community Access Service who performed well loved classics by the Beatles and Cliff Richard along with performing a song of their own composition.

A further local act appeared on Sunday with Here for the Party. They too provided cover versions of much loved pop and rock classics including a truly electric performance of “I’m A Believer” that tore through the blistering heat with its own scorching guitar solos.

Here for the Party certainly know how to…..well, party. Their name is entirely justified. They should feel free to play their version of “Walk This Way” at a party of mine anytime they feel like it.

Variety is the Spice of Life

More specialist musical tastes were also catered for in the form of Tom James whose original material (“New Shoes” and “Song for You”) can be compared favourably to music by KT Tunstall, Beth Orton and David Gray. Although he doesn’t shake his head quite as much as the latter.

For those with more urban tastes, Unpredictable and Jay Harvey offered their brand of hip hop and R’n’B which was lapped up by audience who were begging for more by the end of each of their sets.

Meanwhile, the ever popular Shane Hampsheir was on call to add an air of sophistication as “the new Sinatra” performed crooning classics such as “Feeling Good”, “Mack the Knife” and “Mrs Jones”.

Tribute Bands heaven

For younger music fans, Girls are Allowed and Take This sang songs by their more famous near-name sakes, complete with costume changes. With the park ringing to the sound of “Sound of the Underground”, “I’m Just a Love Machine”, “Relight my Fire” and “Everything Changes But You”, the crowd was given a chance to sing along, dance and shriek with delight at the sound of their favourite songs.

The singer wore an elaborate costume, complete with a very feathery hat while singing some Kylie favourites: “Spinning Around”, “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” (complete with a snippet of “Blue Monday” for the New Order fans) and even “Locomotion”. Soon, though, the feathery hat became too much even for her and it had to be removed.

Stars of X-Factor

A large section of the festival’s music was devoted to a celebration of the talents of X-Factor celebrities such as Andy Abraham, Ben Mills and, of course, Chico. Each artist dazzled with their own particular talents. Andy Abraham brought his own brand of soulful ness to the stage with songs like “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” and “Sticky Situation”

Meanwhile, Ben Miller’s contribution to the proceedings took on a more funky style with songs like Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” being given the full Mills treatment, complete with a rapping saxophonist (sadly not doing both at the same time) and a tambourining trumpeter.

You Can’t Beat…..

To top things off, The Real Thing came down from Liverpool to add a sense of 70s nostalgia to the festival. The audience again went wild as they danced and sang along to songs like “Whenever You Want My Love”.

Once again, the Dartford Festival has proved to be an immense success, thanks in no small part to the rain staying away. Judging by the faces of everyone in Central Park, the festival provided a fun time for everyone. Roll on Dartford Festival 2008!