St Edmund’s School Canterbury has announced the line-up for its inaugural Festival to be held this summer.  The Festival will be a week-long celebration of the arts with concerts, drama productions and workshops.

Ivor Novello award-winning composer and eminent saxophonist, John Harle, is the Festival’s Patron and will be performing at the closing night ‘American Serenade’ concert.

The critically acclaimed concert pianist and former St Edmund’s pupil, Freddy Kempf, will open the Festival on 28^th June with a stunning programme.

Other highlights include a ‘Celebration of Sinatra and the Hollywood String Quartet’ on Sunday 2^nd July at 3pm with vocalist Matt Form, the Tippett Quartet and members of the John Wilson Orchestra.  These sensational musicians are bringing their exquisite versions of vintage popular song to Canterbury straight from the London’s jazz clubs. 

The following evening sees Jools Holland stalwarts Derek Nash (saxophone) and vocalist Louise Marshall playing alongside the St Edmund’s Big Band for a night of irresistible jazz and funk.

The weekend offers delights for a younger audience too who can enjoy all the splendour, fun and games of  the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on Saturday 1^st July and ‘Tippett’s Tuneful Tales’ an interactive musical retelling of Julia Donaldson’s ‘Tyrannosaurus Drip’ on Sunday 2^nd July.

Entertainment from these outstanding artists along with Shakespeare Shorts, the annual Art & Design Exhibition, E/Motion Poetry Night and more, the St Edmund’s Festival offers an exciting selection of events for all ages.

The Box Office opens to the public on 10 April.  Full event listings and how to book can be found on the Festival web page www.stedmunds.org.uk/festival.