We were delighted to receive the below review of this year’s opening night and Festival by young reporter Cecilia Durio of Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School:

Canterbury Festival is put together by a dedicated team whose aim is to bring the best in art and culture to the historic City. I met the director of the Festival, Rosie Tuner, on the opening night and she told me that “art should be a part of everyone’s life”. With that in mind, the team behind these events makes sure October is a fun, creative month for everybody. For example, there are events covering a broad range of categories, from Family to Science to Visual Arts and Walks.

The Canterbury Festival also brings opportunities for people to explore and see things they would never normally have access to. With venues such as Kent College or the Cathedral, there are so many new artists to see that deserve to share their work and outlets like Canterbury Festival provide a great space to start.

This annual Festival all starts with an opening night at Westgate Hall, the proceeds of which help to fund the Festival as well as Catching Lives, the partnered charity. With stars such as Abigail Collins, Matt Barnard, Gareth Jones and Mr Josh King performing, the opening event was a night to remember. I asked Rosie Turner what her favourite event was and she replied, “my favourite act is tonight!”.

Overall, Canterbury Festival is enjoyable and a fun way to celebrate art and culture in the city. I hope the success continues for years to come and the amazing team find new and creative ways to make art accessible to all.