The Old French word festival (adj.) means “suitable for a feast; magnificent, joyful, happy”. That seems an appropriate description for the week ahead.
We have an amazing programme for you this year.
Ian Swatman has surpassed himself again by securing a wonderful range of acts and we are delighted that the incredible, supremely talented Jess Gillam, who has graced the St Edmund’s Festival before, is returning as our headline performer for 2023.
I am especially excited about The Counterfeit Stones. I first saw them perform twenty years ago (!) and am a huge fan. They are brilliant entertainers and musicians - you are in for a treat.
And if that wasn’t enough, our programme also includes the wonderful Ray Gelato Giants, a community singing day with Mark De-Lisser, an Art Workshop with Kevin Dalton Johnson and Japanese Bookbinding with Esther Miles.
Throw in the St Edmund’s Big Band, drama productions of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, the Pupil Cabaret, Chelsea Football Fest, Swing Dancing and “Icons” (a name that reminds me of a Hertfordshire nightclub I frequented in late 1980s) and you have a feast of entertainment fit for a King. “Icons” includes a tribute to the King by the way – not Charles III, Elvis.
None of this would be possible without our Festival Partners
Paul Roberts Canterbury and The Canterbury Auction Galleries whose advice and encouragement continues to be essential. I am immensely grateful for their support and for the generosity of all our other sponsors and friends. My thanks also go to Sarah Rees, our Festival Manager, for her tireless efforts and organisational prowess.
So sit back and enjoy the “magnificent, joyful and happy” Festival on the Hill 2023.
Edward O’Connor, Head
Festival Patron: John Harle The Guildhall School, London
"As the St Edmund’s Festival continues to lead the way in another startling display of home-grown talent and a fascinating programme of events, it highlights the place of creativity in all our futures."
to everyone who has made this festival possible.
• The St Edmund’s staff and pupils who have worked together with such creativity, energy and enthusiasm.
• The artists who have joined us to create a professional and dynamic programme.
• Our Sponsors, Supporters and Friends who have donated generously.
• Amanda Selmon for her support of the Festival.
• Michael Stewart for his continued support of the performing arts at St Edmund’s School.
Our Media Partner:
A list of our Festival Friends is available on the website. If you would like to become a Festival Friend and support St Edmund’s Festivals, please find full details on the website.
www.stedmundsfestival.org.uk
EVENT SPONSORS:
CORPORATE FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS:
Buy your tickets online with at ticketsource.co.uk/St-Edmunds-Festival
There is a 50p booking fee per ticket for online bookings
For general enquiries or special assistance and wheelchair seating, email boxoffice@stedmunds.org.uk or call 01227 475600
For bookings with debit/credit card payment,call our agent
TicketSource on 0333 666 3366 Monday to Friday, 9.00AM to 7.00PM and Saturday, 9.00AM to 5.00PM (excluding bank holidays)
There is an additional £2 for this service.
The St Edmund’s Festival is a regular fixture in the Canterbury arts calendar bringing creativity and culture to Canterbury as well as celebrating the talents of young people and giving them the opportunity to learn from professionals and experience public performance. To continue this work, we invite the public to support and be part of our Festival.
Private and Corporate Friend packages are available offering priority booking, complimentary tickets and more.
By sponsoring an event, businesses are offered exciting marketing and PR benefits with brand exposure, corporate hospitality as well as top quality entertainment.
Details are on the website or contact Sarah Rees, Festival Manager at festival@stedmunds.org.uk
SCAN TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!
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A musical force of nature, Jess Gillam has been forging her own adventurous path since she shot to fame becoming the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician and the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms. She is the winner of a Classic Brit Award, an Associate Artist of the Royal Albert Hall and signed exclusively to Decca Classics - she’s the first saxophonist signed in the history of the label. Her latest album TIME topped the classical charts and her debut album RISE was listed in the Times Top 100 Albums.
Jess performs in venues across the globe - from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie. Her infectious enthusiasm and passion for classical and non-classical music lights up every stage. With this 8 piece ensemble, the concert promises to be an explosive showcase of the diversity, dynamism and versatility of the saxophone. Programme to include works by Leonard Bernstein, CPE Bach, Meredith Monk, John Harle and Philip Glass.
Following the concert, Jess and her fellow musicians will join guests at the Gala Reception in the Festival Marquee.
Sponsored by
BY INVITATION ONLY
Wednesday 28 June | morning
for young musicians from local schools
Wednesday 28 June | 7.30pm
Theatre Concert tickets: £32 adult; £16 child/student U21
Gala Reception tickets: Limited to 50 tickets £15 adult; £5 child/student u21
The Canterbury Art Prize, launched in partnership with The Canterbury Auction Galleries, is open to all pupils in Years 7 – 13 who attend schools in East Kent. The winners will receive cash prizes and the overall winner will also receive a trophy to be presented by Kevin Dalton Johnson on 29 June. The winners’ and shortlisted works will be displayed at the St Edmund’s Festival and in the Lilford Gallery in Canterbury.
Deadline for entries: 21 April 2023
For more details and how to enter go to www.stedmundsfestival.org.uk.
Kevin is a highly successful artist who is both engaging and inspiring. He will be setting up a workspace during his residency in the St Edmund’s Art Department, so that students across the different age groups can watch him at work . He will demonstrate new skills, present different perspectives and share stories of his travels and time in West Africa and how these life experiences have changed his work and shaped him as a person and artist.
Thursday 29 & Friday 30 June
Original painting (right) by Sophie de Giorgio, St Edmund’s SchoolSt Edmund’s School showcases the eclectic, creative range of work produced by student Fine Artists, Ceramicists, Photographers and Designers. Analytical, representational, illustrative, abstract and expressive responses are certain to inspire and will provide a feast for the eyes.
There will also be a display of work from St Edmund’s PrePrep pupils (ages 3 – 7).
Artist, Kevin Dalton Johnson, will present prizes to the winners of the Canterbury Art Prize. Winning and shortlisted works will also be on display. Visitors are warmly invited to the Private View to meet the artists and enjoy refreshments provided by the St Edmund’s Leith’s Academy students.
Wednesday 28 June | Private View & Canterbury Art Prize Presentation from 6pm (and then open throughout Festival week)
Old Gymnasium Gallery
Witness the raw majesty of nature, brought to life by the members of the St Edmund’s Junior School Art Club. Responding to the ‘Wilder Blean’ re-introduction project, they have created a painterly and sculptural diorama. Behold in awe, the results of the pupil’s skill, imagination and teamwork. This piece will be displayed alongside the GCSE and A-Level pieces as part of the Art Exhibition. All week
Old Gymnasium Gallery
Join us in our wonderful chapel for uplifting performances by St Edmund’s young musicians as well the St Edmund’s Chamber and Chapel choirs who will be presenting music from the forthcoming tour of Italy.
Wednesday 28 June | 1.45pm
St Edmund’s Chapel
FREE but booking advisable
The Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral join together with the Choirs of St Edmund’s Senior School for a special evensong to celebrate this year’s Festival.
Thursday 29 June | 5.30pm
Canterbury Cathedral
FREE (no ticket required)
Sponsored by
Since the very first St Edmund’s Festival the Pupil Cabaret has been a ‘must see’ and is a wonderful opportunity for the pupils to impress us with their talents. Variety entertainment has always been a favourite of the British and this event is naturally a sell-out. As always, you can expect an evening full of surprises and good old-fashioned entertainment. Join our very own ‘new’ double act, Joe Goodwin and Scarlett Newman-Cousins, as they host this wonderful show in the Festival Marquee.
Thursday 29 June | 8.00pm (Festival Bar open from 7pm)
Festival Marquee
Tickets: £7.50 adult; £5 child/student U21 (on sale from 28 April)
It’s back by popular demand!
At Holroyd Howe, we work exclusively with independent schools to create a thoughtful foodservice that’s uniquely tailored to meet the needs of each school. Every day, we create delicious, handcrafted f resh food for our pupils, with nutrition, sustainability, inclusivity and fun at the heart of everything we do
Come and watch teams of young entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of formidable dragons, including veteran Dragon’s Den candidate and former St Edmund’s student, Mark Wong. Before teams submit their ideas for shortlisting, Mark will deliver an inspiring talk to Senior School pupils about his experience on this hit BBC TV series when he was launching his own business, Impossibrew in 2022 – now a successful company manufacturing no-alcohol beer. The winning team will receive a prize and who knows, may even go on to turn their business idea into a reality!
www.impossibrew.co.uk
Friday 30 June | 4.30pm
Festival Marquee
(booking advisable)
Sponsored by
This year, we’re delighted to be sponsoring Dragon’s Lair - The Final on Friday 30th June, 4:30pm in the Festival Marquee.
We hope you enjoy the festival!
356707
com
Great theatre exists in the space between actors and audience, and is as elusive and silvery as the paths that wind through dark woods of fairy tales.
Carol Ann Duffy and Tim Supple’s re-telling of two Grimm tales, Snow White and Rumplestiltskin, journey into the bright, warped world of a child’s imagination, as told through the eyes of our talented St Edmund’s Junior School pupils.
Running time approx: 1 hour (including a 15 minute interval)
Friday 30 June | 2pm & 7pm
Theatre
Tickets: £7.50 adult; £5 child/student U21
We are delighted to present the first ever St Edmund’s Open Tennis Doubles Tournament. Matches will be played on first-class courts set in the splendid grounds of the school. The competition is open to all tennis players aged 11+ including adults. Trophies will be awarded to the winners. Come and enjoy a morning of friendly but competitive tennis!
Advance registration is essential. To find out more and register, please go to ticketsource.co.uk/St-Edmunds-Festival
Saturday 1 July | 10am
Tennis Courts
Entry fee: £5
Sponsored by
Calling all footballers in Years 2 – 6! Come and experience a fun coaching session and mini tournament with expert staff from Chelsea Football Club’s Foundation Development Centre. Participants will learn new skills and develop their technique. All levels of expertise are welcome. All participants will receive a medal.
Advance registration is essential. To find out more and register, please go to ticketsource.co.uk/St-Edmunds-Festival
Saturday 1 July | 10:30am
Astro Pitch
Participation fee: £5
Sponsored by
Esther Miles
Join artist and St Edmund’s former pupil, Esther Miles, for a workshop on Japanese Bookbinding. Learn how to create hand-stitched notebooks using traditional binding techniques.
Participants will create one paper back with their own brusho painting and one hardback with a case binding.
Minimum age: 16. Limited to 12 places. All materials included. Refreshments will be provided by the St Edmund’s Leiths Academy students.
Saturday 1 July 9.30am – 12.30pm
St Edmund’s Art Dept
£25 inc all materials
St Edmund’s 1st XI vs Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Enjoy a day of cricket sitting under the canopy of the chestnut trees that majestically line the St Edmund’s 1st XI cricket pitch. Bring your own picnic. Some seating will be provided.
Refreshments available from The Horse Box: from 10.30am
Please use the Giles Lane car park for this event.
Sunday 2 July | 11am
Cricket Pitch FREE
IT’S PHONEY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL AND YOU’LL LIKE IT!
Why pay a fortune to see ants in a stadium when for a fraction of the price you can get up close and smell the faking brilliance of the Counterfeit Stones - described as a Rolling Stones’ hooky masterpiece. Their latest fast shuffle promises yet another night of utter Copy-Rock. Now in their 32nd year, these fraud-stars continue to deliver the best mock ‘n’ roll show on the circuit. Packed with big hits, retro fashion, vintage guitars and a huge dollop of Spinal Tap humour, it’s Satis-fiction guaranteed. So Come On all you Honky Tonks, Let’s Pretend The Night Together!
“The most famous Stones band in England” SIR MICK JAGGER
“Your contribution was much remarked upon” BUCKINGHAM PALACE
“Better than the originals” THE GUARDIAN
Come early and enjoy the best views of Canterbury. Festival Bar and BBQ will be open from 6:30pm.
Sponsored by
Saturday 1 July | 8.30pm
Theatre Tickets £29.50 adult; £19.50 child/student U21
Get ready to boogie-woogie and join us for an exhilarating 90-minute workshop with Emily and Glenn, swing dance enthusiasts who are well-known on the lindy hop scene. Whether you are learning your first swing steps or are a seasoned dancer, this event will get you in the mood for our Sunday Swing concert in the Festival Marquee. Suitable for all ages. Wear comfortable clothing or feel free to dress up for the occasion.
Sunday 2 July | 10.30am – 12pm
Theatre £15
Join us in the Festival Marquee for a summer’s afternoon with ‘the Godfather of Swing’, Ray Gelato.
Ray and his acclaimed band The Giants have been a favourite at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, holding down a 16 year residency over the Christmas period.
The long-established Ray Gelato Giants continue to work to packed rooms, concert halls and festivals. The Giants have a worldwide fan base and are known for their level of high musicianship and great energy with every performance.
Don’t miss this chance to see these awesome guys here in Canterbury and try out your swing dance moves!
• Festival Bar and Food stalls: Will be open from 12:15pm so bring all the family and get ready to swing!
• The St Edmund’s Big Band: 12.45pm
• The Ray Gelato Giants: 2pm
“Awesome band” SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY
“He plays what he means and he means what he plays” JOOLS HOLLAND
Sunday 2 July | 12.45pm
Doors open 12:15pm
Festival Marquee
Concert Tickets
£15; Under 12s: FREE
Combined ticket for Concert & Dance workshop: £25
Sponsored by
Explore the joy of singing with renowned vocal coach, Mark De-Lisser. Mark is one of the most sought-after choral directors and vocal coaches in the UK.
He has worked with some of today’s top vocal talent, including Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Beverley Knight, and on some of the UK’s most watched TV shows, including BBC’s BAFTA nominated ‘Our Dementia Choir’ with Vicky McClure, ‘Songs of Praise’ and ITV’s award winning ‘The Masked Singer’.
Mark will lead a day of workshops for pupils* from across East Kent. For adults with a love of singing there is an afternoon workshop; no experience necessary! Places are limited so book early.
*By invitation
Sponsored by
In support of
Monday 3 July | 2pm Workshop followed by informal performance at 4.15pm
Theatre Tickets £15 adult (18+) includes 90-minute workshop, refreshments and a donation to Bright Shadow
Sponsored
Join us for a spectacular festival finale!
A sparkling night of entertainment in which, through music, dance and word, we pay tribute to some of our most iconic musical legends including Elvis, Bowie, The Jacksons, Take That to name a few. The orchestra, vocalists, actors, dancers will transport the audience to a world of music from pop and soul to rock ‘n roll.
Tuesday 4 July | 7:30pm
Theatre
£14 adults; £7 child/student U21( On sale from 28 April. Includes entry to firework display and a complimentary hot dog
St Edmund’s School
Canterbury CT2 8HU
Entrance: From University Road
Theatre
Francis Musgrave Performing Arts Centre
Recital Hall
Francis Musgrave Performing Arts Centre
Festival Marquee
(Bar will open before each evening event)
Cricket Pitch
The Old Gymnasium Gallery
St Edmund’s Chapel
Please use the car parks marked on the map
Access via Giles Lane for Tennis Tournament, Football Fest, Cricket Match and overflow parking
The school aims to provide excellent access for our visitors. If you require wheelchair access or seating please advise the Box Office so that we can assist you.
Ticket enquiries: boxoffice@stedmunds.org.uk
Phone: 01227 475632
General enquiries: festival@stedmunds.org.uk
Phone: 01227 475600
Website www.stedmundsfestival.org.uk
The school is owned by St Edmund’s School Canterbury, a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 3201223, Charity Reg. No. 1056382. Registered office: St Edmund’s School Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8HU
*
invitation only
Wednesday 28 June Masterclass with Jess Gillam* Morning
Lunchtime Concert by St Edmund's Chapel & Chamber Choirs and musicians
1.45pm St Edmund's Chapel
Art & Design Exhibition (open throughout Festival week) 6pm Old Gymnasium Gallery
Exhibiton Private View & Canterbury Art Prize Presentation 6pm Old Gymnasium Gallery
The Jess Gillam Ensemble in Concert 7.30pm Theatre
Gala Reception
Thursday 29 June Art workshop (1) with Kevin Dalton Johnson*
Festival Evensong
Festival Marquee
Pupils' Cabaret (tickets on sale from 28 April) 8pm Festival Marquee
Friday 30 June Art workshop (2) with Kevin Dalton Johnson*
day
Dragon's Lair - The Final 4.30pm Festival Marquee
Grimm's Fairy Tales
Grimm's Fairy Tales
Saturday 1 July Japanese Bookbinding Workshop with Esther Miles 9.30am
Tennis Tournament
Football Fest with Chelsea Football Foundation Development Team
The Counterfeit Stones (BBQ and Bar opens 6.30pm) 8.30pm
Sunday 2 July Cricket: St Edmund's 1st XI v The MCC
Swing Dance Workshop 10.30am
Sunday Swing with The Ray Gelato Giants with support act: St Edmund's Big Band (Food/bar open from 12.15pm) 12.45pm
Monday 3 July Sing! with Mark De-Lisser - Workshop followed by informal performance at 4.15pm Theatre
Tuesday 4 July Icons! & Firework Display (tickets on sale from 28 April)
Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk.
7.30pm Theatre
Marquee
