Magical art of lanterns

A unique exhibition using magic lanterns will open at the Beaney in Canterbury on Saturday, March 19.

Stories in the Dark will feature the work of eight artists who will used the lanterns and items from the museum’s collections as part of their contemporary presentations.

Invented in the 17th century, the magic lantern brought projected moving images to audiences for the very first time.

The exhibition will run until Sunday, June 19 and is part of the Whitstable Biennale, from June 4 to June 12. Canterbury’s Wise Words Festival returns to the city next month, filling the streets with poetry and performance.

It runs from April 30 to May 8 and includes poets on apple boxes, storytellers on the river and performers in cafes, gardens and on street corners.

The heart of the festival lies in Canterbury’s Secret Garden, of the Franciscan Friars, just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

There will be a colourful, handmade yurt seating more than 100 people and paid for through a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Other undercover venues will include a large canvas tent for family workshops and performances, and a village of bell tents for children.

This year the festival will be celebrating two important literary birthdays.

Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit, his family and friends will be moving into the gardens to set up a wonderful tea party to celebrate 150 years since the author’s birth.

Slightly older children will be drawn into the world of Roald Dahl, who would have turned 100 in September, where they will create revolting rhymes and enjoy two weekends of performances, music and dancing.

There will also be storytelling for all ages while drifting down the river in a punt, and street theatre.

For professional writers and those who want to give writing or poetry a go, there will be performance workshops, writing workshops and daylong retreats.

Festival director Raphael Klatzko said: “Wise Words is unique within the literary world because it offers such a wide variety of events, from politically driven performance poetry right through to cream teas with our festival patron Jane Gardam.

“Alongside poetry there are also shows, puppetry, workshops and plenty of music, ensuring that there really is something for everyone.”

For more information go to www.wisewordsfestival.co.uk.