Big smiles as crowds enjoy launch parade through city’s streets

A sea of smiles helped get this year’s Canterbury Festival under way on Saturday.

The festival parade filled the streets with colourful banners and handmade signs as it wound its way from the Cathedral Precincts to Rose Square.

With the help of the Animate Arts Company, four schools took part: Blean Primary, St Peter’s Methodist Primary, Goodnestone C of E Primary and Petham Primary. The Fulston Manor Samba Band, from Sittingbourne, provided the soundtrack.

Whitefriars and Rose Square were filled with performances and interactive events during the afternoon.

The community stage drew large crowds, with performances from Canterbury Christ Church University Dancers, KC’S Dancers, Cascade Dance, Herne Bay High, 2015 Track Record winner Natasha Ryan, and violin duo Maya Moh and Jada Marsh.

In Whitefriars square, the Ragroof Players kept the party pumping with Happy Feet, a dance-a-thon that whizzed through 100 dance crazes in 100 minutes.

The Pop Up Parliament gave passing shoppers and young audiences a unique insight into the power of democracy.

There was also a roller disco in St Thomas Hall, Burgate, and the launch of the Canterbury Throwdown with the BBC’S Great Pottery Throwdown judge Keith Brymer Jones.

The festival continues until November 5.

For listings and bookings, visit canterburyfestival.co.uk

FM4543129 Lord Mayor Cllr George Metcalfe and Lady Mayoress Lillian Metcalfe with pupils from Goodnestone School

FM4543062 The parade makes its way through the city centre

Pictures: Chris Davey FM4543137 Annabel Edwards, eight, from Blean School