FESTIVE Dartford residents have been invited to the annual Christmas Carol Concert at the bandstand in Central Park this year.

The event will feature the Dartford Corp Salvation Army, carols and festive readings as well as performances by the Acafella barbershop quartet.

Gates open at 6pm for a 6:30pm start on December 12 and the concert will last for around an hour.

Refreshments including hot chocolate, doughnuts and mince pies will be on sale.

Tickets are free to Dartford residents and may be put on sale to non-residents.

Dartford Council Leader, Jeremy Kite, said: “The council’s carol concert gets better and better every year. I know how popular it is with local residents.

“It’s a great way to start Christmas and I’m delighted that tickets will remain free again this year.”

To apply for a maximum of four tickets per Dartford household email jeremy@dartford.gov.uk or write to The Leader, Civic Centre, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent DA1 1DR.

Cafe in the Park is also offering a 10% discount to pre-concert diners. Call 020 7732 5822 to book a table.