The Latest news from Dartford

THERE AIN’T NOTHING LIKE A DAME….

THERE AIN’T NOTHING LIKE A DAME….

JASON MARC-WILLIAMS TO JOIN CAST OF ALADDIN   The magic continues at Orchard West as the panto Genie grants yet another festive wish with the announcement that the hilarious Jason Marc-Williams will be stepping into the size ten stilettos of the Dame, bringing...

More than half a million people to benefit from new National Nature Reserve in Kent 

Around 400,000 people live within five miles of the new Reserve and will have new opportunities to connect with the natural world. First National Nature Reserve to include an organic and carbon-negative vineyard, bringing a boost for both nature recovery and the local...

GUEST ACTS ANNOUNCED For two events at Orchard West

Dartford’s Got Talent 2025 Sat 21st June 7pm GUEST STAR JUDGES - Olivier Award-winningMiriam-Teak Lee (West End’s & Juliet) and Anton Stephans (X Factor) Returning for its third year. After previous successes, this year Dartford's Got Talent levels up!  We...

Ofsted has praised Fleetdown Primary Academy in Dartford for its “high expectations” and for supporting pupils to feel “safe, happy and play an active part in their community”.

Ofsted’s report says that pupils at the school “value inclusivity and feel that kindness underpins all parts of their school life”. The inspectors judged the school, part of The Golden Thread Alliance trust, to be Good across the board. The school was also praised for...

FUNNYMAN RIKKI JAY TO JOIN CAST FOR ORCHARD WEST’S ALADDIN ALONGSIDE LINDA ROBSON

Orchard West announces that hilarious comedian Rikki Jay will be returning to Dartford this year to join the stellar cast of this year’s glittering pantomime Aladdin, which runs from 13 December 2025 to 04 January 2026. The award-winning funnyman, who last appeared in...

Dartford primary school marks VE Day by honouring history with community spirit

Pupils, staff and the wider Oakfield Primary Academy community came together to commemorate VE Day with an agenda filled with meaningful learning, powerful tributes and memorable experiences. The day began with pupils treated to an exclusive first look at full-scale...

Dartford Lions Club powers Childrens Carousel from Hyundai Car after 97 years of petrol

In a heartwarming display of innovation meeting tradition, the Dartford Lions Club has taken a significant step towards sustainability by powering their beloved 97-year-old children's carousel with the fully electric Hyundai IONIQ 5, replacing the long-standing petrol...

Auditions held for ‘A Musical Journey’

‘SYP - A Musical Journey’, is written and produced for the Summer Youth Project, about the Summer Youth Project! In a time where plans are everchanging, why not write our own musical and tell our own story? Follow Sammy, as they embark on their first Summer Youth...

Jumping for Success

Six Dartford Trampoline club members attended a South east squad training day last weekend and collected their kit in preparation for the British Gymnastics inter-regional challenge cup final to be held at the Utilita arena Birmingham 11th to 13th July. They were...

ELLENOR VOLUNTEERS HONOURED AT THE KING’S GARDEN PARTY AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Two devoted volunteers from ellenor, a Kent charity providing care and support to children and adults living with life-limiting conditions, were recognised for their outstanding service with an invitation to His Majesty The King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on...

Welcoming new Town Centre Wardens to Dartford

Dartford Borough Council has welcomed our new Town Centre Wardens to its team, strengthening the support available to residents, visitors, and businesses in the town centre. The appointment is part of the Council’s wider commitment to making Dartford a safer, cleaner,...

GUEST ACTS ANNOUNCED For two events at Orchard West

Dartford’s Got Talent 2025 Sat 21st June 7pm GUEST STAR JUDGES - Olivier Award-winningMiriam-Teak Lee (West End’s & Juliet) and Anton Stephans (X Factor) Returning for its third year. After previous successes, this year Dartford's Got Talent levels up!  We...

Business Directory

Dartford Business

Forward2Employment: Empowering Young People with SEND to Succeed in the Workforce

Forward2Employment works alongside Fortis Trust to support young people, with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), in Kent, to find permanent and purposeful employment. We provide Supported Internships for young adults, with an Education, Health and...

Home Instead Dartford Commits to Environmental Sustainability by Offsetting All Carbon Emissions

Home Instead Dartford, a leading local provider of in-home care for older adults, is taking significant action to reduce its environmental footprint by committing to offset 100% of its carbon emissions. This ambitious step covers all aspects of the business's...

Sourdough Bread – Stanhill Farm

We are pleased to announce that from the middle of April we will have sourdough bread available! Produced locally by baker, Sourdough Mikate, we will be offering a range of nine different varieties of sourdough bread. Sourdough has been requested by many customers...

Remote work culture is here to stay, believe Dartford residents.

By Qashish Dhiraj Mehta In the world of remote work, your office is wherever your creativity feels most inspired. In recent times, the concept of remote work has gained significant traction across the globe, with the UK being one of the leading nations taking on this...

A family-run children’s clothing shop closes after more than two decades trading.

Debra Winter, who runs Little N's Baby Boutique, says it was a difficult decision triggered by an increase in costs, including parking costs. Her store at the Priory Shopping Centre in Dartford, has been kitting out children in adorable outfits since May 2003. Debra...

Local care company achieves world-leading score for employee engagement

Home Instead Dartford has been ranked within the top five percent of health and social care companies worldwide in terms of care professional satisfaction. All employees of the home care company were invited to take part in an anonymous survey by independent employee...

Sourdough Bread – Stanhill Farm

We are pleased to announce that from the middle of April we will have sourdough bread available! Produced locally by baker, Sourdough Mikate, we will be offering a range of nine different varieties of sourdough bread. Sourdough has been requested by many customers...

Where to go locally – Dartford

Submit a free listing 

Would you like your local club, group or society listed in our where to go locally guide in the magazine and also online? 

Fill out the details below to submit your listing.

Dartford Sport

Jumping for Success

Six Dartford Trampoline club members attended a South east squad training day last weekend and collected their kit in preparation for the British Gymnastics inter-regional challenge cup final to be held at the Utilita arena Birmingham 11th to 13th July. They were...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS

CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS The matchday programme for our Playoff Final against Dover Athletic featured messages from the Dartford players to our supporters. For those who missed them, here are those messages: Josh Hill:"I just want to say a big thank you. The...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | SEASON REVIEW

The Playoff Semi-Final saw Dartford host Cray Valley PM in a thrilling encounter on a lovely evening in Kent. The matchday programme that evening featured our review of the 2024-25 season. For those who missed it, here is the full article: As the 2024-25 Isthmian...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | THE RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

As Dartford hosted Carshalton Athletic on the final day of the regular season, our matchday programme featured four players who were chasing the Dartford Golden Boot. For those who missed it, here is the full article: Regardless of what happens come the end of this...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET JOSH ATKINSON

Dartford hosted Folkestone Invicta at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday. Josh Atkinson featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONEJosh Atkinson was promoted into the Dartford First Team,...

Local Sport round up

By Rebecca Shafford Dartford Harriers:  The Dartford Half Marathon -  On the 2nd March was the iconic and challenging Dartford Half marathon!  For the second time Dartford Harriers partnered with RunThrough.co.uk who organised the event amazingly.  1177...

advertise in DL

Flapjacks

This is an easy recipe for delicious flapjacks. Stir all the ingredients together in the saucepan before finishing off in the Oven or Air Fryer.Make them with your favourite spread – and, once cut into bars, they can be frozen for a quick afterschool treat. If you...

Vanilla Cupcakes

I’ve been looking back at the recipes I’ve featured in Dartford Living and I’ve realised it’s been a long time since I shared my most baked, and most basic, recipe. I love the idea that, once you learn this method, it will serve you well forever! I often find myself...

Chocolate NYC style Cookies

Super indulgent and chunky, these cookies are delicious and look really impressive. You could swap some of the Chocolate to include fudge pieces or mini marshmallows. You will need:120g Unsalted Butter175g Light Brown Sugar1 Egg1 tsp Vanilla Extract250g Plain Flour40g...

Shortbread Cookie Pops

Most cookie recipes use block butter to help them with the rolling and cutting process. I’ve used margarine here so, hopefully, you’ll be able to make them without having to go out and buy ingredients especially for the recipe. It does mean, however, that you won’t be...

Love your leftovers ‘Bread Pudding’

I’m pretty passionate about reducing food waste however I can and love it when a recipe calls for leftovers. As well as being able to use bread that’s a few days old and a bit stale, it’s also a great way to use up any leftover Easter Eggs.As with most of my...

RECIPE: Easy Fruit Loaf

I really love my collection of easy – and quick to prepare – cakes and bakes recipes. Sometimes, you don’t have the time to follow a fancy recipe and this is one of my fruit cake recipes for just such an occasion. As always, its adaptable so if you don’t have brown...

RECIPE: Festive Swirls

This month’s offering is less of a recipe and more of an idea for your festive celebrations – although variations would be absolutely perfect for any buffet table throughout the year. You will need: Ready made Puff Pastry Mincemeat – there are some deliciously...

RECIPE: Viennese Biscuits

Visiting my mum recently I was reminded of the times we used to go to monthly tea dances in the village halls around Ashford, where I grew up. Halfway through each evening a tray would be passed round with a selection of cakes and biscuits on it. I always chose the...

RECIPE: Steamed Jam Pudding

The Summer lasted well into September, but now it’s time to snuggle up on our sofas with a blanket and wait for the winter to truly take hold! So, this month’s recipe is a real crowd pleaser – a comforting treat that’s delicious served with ladles of custard. It can...

RECIPE: Quick and Easy Banana Loaf

We’ve all had those times when our bananas are getting a bit too ripe to eat – so here’s a quick and easy recipe to use them up in a delicious loaf. As usual you can add extra treats to the recipe – chocolate chips or blueberries are amazing additions! Or leave the...
Vanilla Cupcakes

Vanilla Cupcakes

I’ve been looking back at the recipes I’ve featured in Dartford Living and I’ve realised it’s been a long time since I shared my most baked, and most basic, recipe. I love the idea that, once you learn this method, it will serve you well forever! I often find myself...

Chocolate NYC style Cookies

Chocolate NYC style Cookies

Super indulgent and chunky, these cookies are delicious and look really impressive. You could swap some of the Chocolate to include fudge pieces or mini marshmallows. You will need:120g Unsalted Butter175g Light Brown Sugar1 Egg1 tsp Vanilla Extract250g Plain Flour40g...

Shortbread Cookie Pops

Shortbread Cookie Pops

Most cookie recipes use block butter to help them with the rolling and cutting process. I’ve used margarine here so, hopefully, you’ll be able to make them without having to go out and buy ingredients especially for the recipe. It does mean, however, that you won’t be...