A GROUP which hopes to develop relationships between different cultures in Kent’s County Town has been launched.

Maidstone has already achieved an enviable reputation for its highly successful cross-cultural annual event, the Maidstone Mela.

But why wait another year before getting together again to celebrate the town’s rich cultural diversity?

That was the thinking behind the new group launched at Maidstone Museum.

The Maidstone Cultural Group aims to promote bridge-building and understanding between communities by hosting further cross-cultural events throughout the year.

Its chairman, Cllr Morel D’Souza (Lab), who launched the first Mela during his time as mayor in 2002, said: “We have the Mela, but incredibly during the rest of the year, there’s nothing else.

“We hope to rectify that by having further events, perhaps quarterly.”

Among the many groups represented at the launch was the Maidstone Area Arts Council, which it is hoped will play a key role.

Guests were treated to a colourful display of Nepalese and Indian dancing.

Cllr D’Souza said: “We want to celebrate our different cultures on a much wider basis. It’s all about developing a sense of pride in the community.”