Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Summit returns online for 2021 extravaganza
One of the traditional curtain- raising networking events of the new year has confirmed it will return for 2021 - albeit virtually. The popular Kent and Medway Business Summit returns for its fourth year on January 15 with a focus on business resilience, renewal, innovation and strategies for a return to growth. Hosted annually by the University of Kent’s Kent Business School, in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Institute of Directors (IOD) and Locate in Kent, the summit brings together some 400 businesses, academics and policy makers to debate key themes. And top of the agenda will be the latest developments on Brexit and the government’s response to the pandemic - and how it impacts business
in the county.
To be held completely online, it will harness cutting-edge virtual conferencing technology provided by Remo to recreate the physical experience.
Expert speakers confirmed so far include: Professor
Anand Menon, from UK in a Changing Europe; Dr Roger Barker, director of policy, at the IOD; and the Bank of England’s Phil Eckersley. More speakers will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The dean of Kent Business School, Professor Marian Garcia, said: “At this extraordinary time, we have never needed more the opportunity to come together virtually to drive forward a clear vision for our county.
“We need to look to the future and to collaborate to provide a strong platform for growth for business of all size and in all sectors.” Tickets to the summit cost £10 with places limited to 400. Gavin Cleary, Locate in Kent CEO, said: “It is an excellent chance for the business community of Kent and Medway to re-group, share what we have learnt over the last few months and plan for the future, moving forward to recovery and renewal.” Train firm Southeastern are confirmed as sponsors. Register your interest for the event at tinyurl.com/kmsummit
anterbury Festival has been bringing wonderful live performances to the city since 1984. Even in these difficult times it will welcome the very best music, comedy, drama and family shows. There really is nothing like the experience of great live entertainment to cheer an autumn evening.
All events will be operating with substantially reduced capacities so early booking is advised. Guitar maestro Eduardo Niebla has played with some of today’s top world, jazz and classical artists. With 23 albums to his name and musical roots in Morocco and the flamenco of Spain, Eduardo’s programme is a snapshot of his work which explores the power of music and his mastery of the freedom of improvisation. In the fabulous setting of Kent College’s Great Hall, this is an evening not to be missed (sponsored by Canterbury Festival Friends, Thursday, October 22, 7.30pm).
Head to the Cathedral for an evening of some of the Middle Ages’ funkiest tunes! Early music group Joglaresa will lead you through a bright and energetic evening of medieval ‘hits’ with more than a slight 1970s influence. Modern
Slight Fat Features Troupe minstrels, villainous knights, seductive dancers, all combine to prove it wasn’t all plainchant back then. Early booking is advised (sponsored by abode, Wednesday, October 28, 7.30pm, Canterbury Cathedral).
Ivo Neame has led ensembles that have performed all over Europe. Producing a varied mix of musical styles ranging from serene to high-octane Jazz grooves, the Ivo Neame Quartet places improvisation at the heart of each performance. The band’s music explores a mixture of sonic landscapes, resonating emotionally with audiences in as many ways as possible (Tuesday, October, 27, 7.30pm, Shirley Hall, King’s School). Gentlemen of Few return to Canterbury with another high-energy blend of indie, folk and classic rock. Having played to welcoming audiences across the UK, their big, upbeat sound is delivered with a raw passion; perfect to celebrate the end of the 2020 Festival (sponsored by Artfullogistics, Saturday, October 31, 8pm, Westgate Hall).
For an evening filled with ral fragrance and theatrical frolics, join award-winning designer and director Mig Kimpton, as he explores the Bard’s passion for all things floral in Shakespeare’s Botanicals. Mig will create stunning floral designs in response to some of the greatest words ever written. Poetry meets petals and heightened verse meets herbs; join Mig and let him weave his magic (Monday, October 19,
7.30pm, Great Hall, Kent College). Enid Blyton for grown-ups? Come to Bumper Blyton for a performance brimming with innuendo and packed with puns in the style of the nation’s favourite author. Recall your childhood in a spontaneous show based on audience suggestions. Vintage costume, music, songs and a cast of award-winning improvis
Eduardo Niebla ers create an irreverent and totally unique evening, an adventure on the hoof that you won’t forget. Book early (sponsored by HMY Chartered Accountants, Wednesday, October 28,7.30pm, Great Hall, Kent College). A real Festival favourite, Slightly Fat Features returns to Canterbury for a night of riotous comedy cabaret. Circus, live music, guest acts, antics for all ages and, most importantly, lots and lots of laughs provide everything you need to brighten a dull October evening. This is the ultimate live theatrical experience. You’ll leave wanting more (sponsored by Paul Roberts, Friday, October 30, 8pm, Westgate Hall).
For more information and ticket booking visit canterburyfestival. co.uk or call the Box Office on 01227 457568.