St Edmund’s Festival on the Hill 2026 – An insideKENT Partnership
insideKENT, Kent’s largest free luxury lifestyle magazine, has announced a new media partnership with The St Edmund’s Festival on the Hill as the festival unveils its ambitious 2026 programme.
Taking place from 24 – 30 June 2026, the week-long festival will bring together world-class performers, emerging young talent and a vibrant community celebration.
Opening the festival in spectacular style on Wednesday 24 June is The Horne Section Live!, led by comedian and Taskmaster creator Alex Horne. Known for their high-energy blend of musical virtuosity and sharp comedy, the group promises an unforgettable opening night at St Edmund’s Theatre.
The week-long programme highlights creativity across music, art, drama and sport, with key events including: The Art & Design Exhibition and presentation of the Canterbury Art Prize, showcasing work from pupils across East Kent, a special Festival Evensong featuring the Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral, the much-loved Pupil Cabaret and the new Rising Stars showcase for younger performers. There will also be a public singing workshop led by renowned vocal coach Mark De-Lisser, whose credits include the BBC’s Our Dementia Choir, a performance by genre-defying string quartet Stringfever, and an afternoon with The Tommy Blaize Band, fronted by the long-standing lead singer of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Sport also plays a central role in this year’s festival. On Sunday 28 June, St Edmund’s 1st XI will face the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in a traditional one-day match. The day also includes an Open Mixed Tennis Tournament, Football Fest and a Hockey Workshop led by Olympian Mel Clewlow.
The festival concludes with an original large-scale production, A Moment for the Movies, combining drama, orchestra and choir in a celebration of cinema.
“The Festival on the Hill showcases the very best of what creativity can achieve when a school and its community come together,” said Edward O’Connor, head of St Edmund’s School. “From world-class performers to emerging young talent, the programme reflects our belief that opportunity and participation should be open to all.”
All events are open to the public. Tickets are available now via stedmundsfestival.org.uk.
