Everyone at the Festival was devastated to hear of the premature death of former Chairman Professor Michael Wright. Following a fall when out walking, tragically Michael passed away on Saturday 28 May 2022 aged 73.  Michael was the former Vice Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University and chaired the Festival Board from 2011 to 2014.

Festival Director Rosie Turner reflects, ‘Michael immediately understood how the relationship between a university and a festival could bring benefits to both organisations. Thanks to his  drive and enthusiasm, Canterbury Christ Church developed a sponsorship with the Festival which grew to the University becoming our Partner and Principal Sponsor. We are now in our 12^th year of working together in this way – and it all began with Michael. He was a big character with bags of charisma and we are very sad for Pamela and the family, who, like us, mourn his passing.’