Enjoy a flash mob while you shop!

It’s back! This year, Canterbury Festival runs from Saturday to November 4. With many events set in the dramatic centrepiece of the Festival Spiegeltent, the scene is set for the razzle-dazzle of entertainment and variety at its best.

There will be more than 200 events taking place in the city – among them, a flash-mob opera during the opening parade, a free pottery throwdown, a luminescent tapestry, shows celebrating the best talent in Kent, scientists paired with poets, and anything and everything from cabaret to comedy, dance to theatre, walks, talks, and scientific experiments with a twist.

Taking over the High Street, the festival parade will fill Canterbury with a chorus of colour, music and sound.

Enjoy the celebrations in the city centre for the Festival Opening Day on Saturday. Canterbury Festival is working in partnership with Music for Change (celebrating its 20th anniversary), so expect to see talented young dancers, drummers and musicians in a spectacular parade of movement and percussion.

Listen out for some of Kent’s best upcoming musical acts live in the centre of the city. There will also be three very exciting flash mobs taking place between noon and 1pm presented by Canterbury Operatic Society, Canterbury Voices and the Amici Society.

This will be followed by local dance groups and emerging dance companies taking over Rose Square. Watch them perform or join in – all moves welcome! In addition to leading the parade, seasoned Notting Hill Carnival performers Kinetikabloco will be heading for Whitefriars square to offer a series of free open drumming workshops. Come and listen to the beats, or pick up a drum and join in! Exclusively for the duration of the festival, many of Canterbury’s best independent restaurants will be offering a two-course dinner for as little as £10. With hundreds of events to choose from, you’ll want a good night’s rest and a hearty meal. Why not complete the festival experience by visiting one of our Big Eat Out or Big Sleepover partners? See more details at www.canterburyfestival.co.uk