insideKENT Magazine Issue 169 - May 2026 | Page 48

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

What began as a bold and celebratory idea in 2017 has grown into one of Kent’ s most distinctive cultural events. Now entering its ninth year, the St Edmund’ s festival- Festival on the Hill- has firmly established itself as a highlight of the county’ s cultural calendar, attracting audiences from across Kent and beyond to celebrate creativity, community and world-class performance.

The festival launched with a landmark opening concert featuring school alumnus and internationally renowned concert pianist Freddie Kempf, setting the tone for a programme built on artistic excellence. Since then, an extraordinary lineup of internationally recognised performers has graced the stage including Curtis Stigers, Courtney Pine, Jess Gillam, The Bootleg Beatles, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, many playing to sold-out audiences in the school’ s theatre.
FESTIVAL SEASON 2026

ST EDMUND’ S FESTIVAL ON THE HILL: CREATIVITY, COMMUNITY AND CELEBRATION

What makes the festival distinctive is its setting. Performances take place in an environment that allows St Edmund’ s pupils, alongside students from local schools, to experience world-class artistry at close quarters, which is an education in itself, while audiences enjoy an intimate atmosphere rarely found at major venues. Creativity sits at the heart of both the school and the festival, and is celebrated in all its forms. Across the week-long programme, music, art, drama, dance and sport come together through performances, workshops and masterclasses. A much-loved highlight is the annual cricket match against the MCC, reinforcing the festival’ s commitment to celebrating excellence both on and off the stage.
A key visual arts highlight is the Canterbury Art Prize, an open exhibition and competition for young pupils from across Kent and the wider region. The prize provides an important platform for emerging artists, reflecting the festival’ s commitment to supporting creativity beyond the school gates. Proudly sponsored by Canterbury Auction Galleries, the prize has become a significant and much-anticipated part of the festival programme, celebrating the depth and diversity of artistic talent across the region; this year’ s intriguing theme is‘ Conceal / Reveal’.
Community benefit remains central to the festival’ s ethos, with all events open to the wider public. A standout feature is the annual singing day led by celebrated vocal coach Mark De Lisser, known for his work with the BBC Dementia Choir alongside actor Vicky McClure. Now a firm festival favourite, the day brings together pupils, members of the local community and participants from the Bright Shadows dementia charity, creating an uplifting celebration of connection, joy and the power of singing.
Festival on the Hill 2026
Festival on the Hill 2026 will take place from 24-30 June. Opening night promises to be a major highlight as The Horne Section- Live! takes to the theatre stage. Featuring Alex Horne, creator and star of Channel 4’ s Taskmaster, the band’ s unique blend of musical brilliance and sharp comedy is set to deliver an unforgettable start to the week.
Elsewhere in the programme, audiences can look forward to the Tommy Blaize Band headlining the popular Sunday afternoon slot in the Festival Marquee. Stringfever will also feature across the weekend, leading a workshop before
delivering their signature high-energy performance, alongside a packed schedule of music, activities and events.
The festival would not be possible without the support of its brilliant partners and sponsors, including festival partners Paul Roberts Canterbury and The Canterbury Auction Galleries; Event Sponsors Burgess Hodgson, Evolution Productions, Abbott Construction, Holroyd Howe, and Maypole Marquee Ltd and Salvatori; Media Partner insideKENT; and the festival’ s valued corporate sponsors and festival friends.
stedmundsfestival. org. uk instagram. com / stedsfestival
THE HORNE SECTION
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