DAYSOUT
ST EDMUND ’ S FESTIVAL :
Celebrating the very best in creativity and talent
AN INSIGHTFUL Q & A WITH THE ST EDMUND ’ S FESTIVAL CURATOR AND HEAD OF PERFORMANCE AT ST EDMUND ’ S SCHOOL , MR . IAN SWATMAN
From its modest inception in 2017 , the St Edmund ’ s Festival has blossomed into an unmissable spectacle , gaining momentum with exceptional performances from globally renowned musicians and artists . The festival showcases not only international acts but also award-winning drama , dance and music performances from the school ’ s talented pupils . Learn more about this brilliant festival , where the convergence of creative arts , sports , and performing arts takes centre stage to showcase excellence .
How do you ensure a diverse and inclusive lineup that caters to a wide audience ? Since the first festival in 2017 , the aim has always been to ‘ open the gates ’ of the school and offer opportunities to the wider community . In 2024 , that ’ s still very much our aim . We have world class performers , a wellbeing morning with yoga , meditation and art workshops , and a singing day with Mark De-Lisser .
How do you balance established , wellknown acts with pupil-led performances ? Over the seven years of the festival , we ’ ve had an array of amazing talent perform for us - Jess Gillam , Courtney Pine , Sheku Kanneh-Mason to name a few . In my mind , this presents an amazing opportunity for any young musician to witness world-class musicians in an intimate space and in many situations the opportunity to interact with them . This can only have a positive impact on their own musical development .
How do you anticipate the chosen acts contributing to the overall success and enjoyment of the festival for attendees ? Variety ! From pupil events , sport , ceramics workshops , a broadcasting legend in Henry Blofeld and award-winning singer / songwriter Curtis Stigers , there is something for everyone right on our doorstep . The 275 Finale is going to be a tremendous celebration of creativity and we need to take every opportunity these days to make a song and dance about young people ’ s involvement in the arts .
What role do local businesses and the surrounding community play in the festival , and how do you foster positive relationships with them ? Quite simply , our wonderful Festival Partners , Paul Roberts of Canterbury and Dave Parker from the Canterbury Auction Galleries , play a significant part in making the Festival on the Hill possible . We have many other fantastic event sponsors ; festival friends and corporate sponsors , and we couldn ’ t do it without them . Having a diverse field of support also allows us to increase our profile in the community which is very important .
The festival is an ongoing process and elements for 2025 are already in place , long may it continue !
For further information and ticket enquiries , please visit www . stedmundsfestival . org . uk .
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