A packed programme of film screenings, workshops, talks and exhibitions got off to a great start in Dartford last Saturday.

The town’s Creative Summer of Arts held a launch event at Priory Shopping Centre .

The festival, funded by Dartford Borough Council and Arts Council England, celebrates the people and places of Dartford through a series of arts events in unusual spaces.

The line-up includes puppet shadow theatre, a kite decorating picnic and a film screening in Brooklands Tunnel. All events are free and, in most cases, there is no need to book.

The launch was a chance to meet the artists involved and find out more about what is happening over the summer months and how to get involved. It included a print making workshop led by artist Kasia Parker.

Organiser Michelle Boakes said: “Lots of people came by to see what was going on and pick up a programme, it was great to see so many people and really encouraging for the rest of the summer.”

The launch also saw the arrival of 100 memory boxes to the shopping centre – one of the exhibitions which will be on display as part of the programme. Visitors will be able to shape the exhibition by filling the boxes with their own memories.

A number of installations have been created in the town centre by local artists and will be on display until the end of July.

Clare McEwan has made some striking lenticular artwork in Hythe Street and at Holy Trinity Church in the High Street. Lenticular is a process whereby art work can be viewed from a number of angles.

One of the pieces has been created across railings.

Will Gould, who describes himself as an artist gardener, is inspired by the environment and the outdoors. As part of this programme, Will worked with rangers from the Temple Hill Trust to create a collaged print which is on display at Holy Trinity Church.

As well as the launch, the first events of the festival were held on Saturday, which included the screening of a film created with help from pupils at Dartford Science and Technology College and a talk and walk with Clare
McEwan.