Festive cheer erupted in The Orchard Theatre on Saturday after panto opened in Dartford for the first time since 2019. Christopher Biggins, Kiera-Nicole and Rikki Jay took to the stage in font of a sold out audience to ope n Jack and the Beanstalk . Despite the challenges of the past year, panto has sold over 25,000 tickets, making it one of the biggest pantomimes in Dartford yet. Christopher Biggins has been appearing in pantomimes for nearly 50 years and shows no signs of stopping with his incredible performance as the sassy and “saucy”, Dame Trott. Ahead of the opening, The Orchard Theatre announced next years pantomime, Cinderella . Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients the Orchard Theatre audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Cinderella will be at the Orchard Theatre from Sat 10 – Sat 31 December 2022. Christopher Biggins wearing a costume that weighs almost two stone. Cr. Craig Sugden Photography Jack and the Beanstalk will be at The Orchard Theatre from Sat 11 December 2021 – Sun 2 January 2022 . Pre-show dining is also available before the show. The Orchard Theatre’s Restaurant provides a delicious range of, unique and memorable dishes, using the freshest local produce and prepared daily by the Head Chef. Reserve your table when booking your show tickets. To book tickets or for more information visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call ticket office on 0343 310 0033

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...

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...

IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME …

Depressed by the dull weather recently, I became demotivated, tired, and definitely not nice to live with. This manifested itself as the ‘What If Blues’. It’s a dangerous phrase often leading to introspection and dissatisfaction with yourself. Who hasn’t asked...

Indulgent Rail Journeys: Exploring the World in Unmatched Luxury

Traveling by train evokes a sense of timeless elegance and adventure, especially aboard some of the world’s most luxurious rail journeys. For those seeking indulgence, the following rail experiences offer not only breathtaking landscapes but also impeccable service...

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...

Local Author launches new book about Hitler’s Heroes During Operation Barbarossa

The first of a series of four titles that between them will feature all of the Knight’s Crosses awarded on the Eastern Front Full explanations of the action or actions leading to the granting of the awards Covers the period up to the end of Operation Barbarossa,...

Dartford Trampoline Club Bounces On!

By Fay Sargent Fifty years ago, my whole family attended the Dartford YMCA several times each week at the top of West Hill. While my Dad coached the boys club football team and Mum ran the tuck shop, my brothers were on the judo mat, and so I snuck into the trampoline...

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...

DATE AND ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR DARTFORD PRIDE 2025

Orchard West in Partnership with Dartford Borough Council, presents Dartford Pride 2025! Sat 28 June Main event 1pm – 7pm | After Party Silent Disco 8pm – 11pm DARTFORD PRIDE is back! BIGGER and PROUDER than ever!  Everyone is welcome to this fantastic event,...