Great sounds in store in this year’s foot-tapping festival

This week’s Festival Focus casts a spotlight on the best foot-stomping acts for dance lovers – from big band beats, rocking out in the Spiegeltent or soaking up the pleasures of worldclass ballet Canterbury Festival has an irresistible line-up for movers

One of the festival big names this year, Newton Faulkner’s great beats and virtuoso guitarplaying will get you on the edge of your seat. This year he plays the Marlowe ( October 18, 7.30pm) while touring his sixth album – and promises to push the limits of a guitar, using various parts of its body to create tantalisingly skilful rhythms set to soaring vocals.

All the razzle-dazzle of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire comes to the Shirley Hall – to the delight of all lovers of the sleek, big-band sound. Alex Mendham and his 18-piece Orchestra (November 4, 7.30pm) are taking a break from their residency at the Savoy Hotel, bringing with them an authentic 1930s swing beat. From original instruments to authentic hair pomade – no detail is overlooked.

Expect a toe-tapping performance featuring great song-book favourites from Cole Porter, Gershwin, Berlin and the great Duke Ellington in a vintage recreation of the Art Deco era.

Don’t miss the cool blues of the Mark Flanagan Trio (November 1, 9.30pm at the Spiegeltent). Mark is the man who’s shared a stage with Eric Clapton, Tom Jones, Paul Weller, Amy Winehouse, BB King and Al Green… He also played acoustic lead guitar on Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, a track on George Harrison’s last album Brainwashed. Gorgeous stuff.

If you loved Harvey and the Wallbangers (October 28, 8pm at the Spiegeltent) the first time around, here’s your chance to see them again. Reformed and led by Harvey Brough, expect classics like Boogie Nights. Great songs backed by an ace rhythm section.

The country’s own soul and gospel diva Ruby Turner (October 21, 8.30pm) promises to bring the Spiegeltent down with her mix of ballads and R&B covers – stick around for the after-party disco.

Super-size voice with the sensibilities of Annie Lennox, British soul singerjo Harman (October 26, 9.30pm at the Spiegeltent) ranges effortlessly from pop to blues to gospel – and back again. She featured on Radio 2’s playlist earlier this year, and had the backing of Rag ‘n’ Bone Man. Her new album was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee – ‘When We Were Young’ will linger in your mind for hours; it’s classy, tight, with a beat to die for.

Harvey and the New Wallbangers - at the Spiegeltent on October 28

Newton Faulkner plays the Marlowe on October 18

Ruby Turner plays on October 21