Opening Parade 2016 credit Tim Stubbings

It has been revealed that the Canterbury Festival will take place between 14th October and 4th November this year.

Each year, in October, the Kent-based festival offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wealth of entertainment, including theatre, music, comedy, circus, cabaret, art, sculpture, walks and talks.

The entertainment will be spread across Canterbury and visitors will even find activities down the Medieval alleyways and around the cultural landmarks

More details including a full line-up of events and acts will be announced in July.

More about the Canterbury Festival

In 2016, the festival saw around 65,000 people visiting and around 2,874 artists performing.

Involved in the outreach programme were 82 schools, and 1,750 children and young people.

The festival saw internationally acclaimed artists come to Kent to perform all sorts of shows including the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow and Australian circus company Circa.

There was also an array of artist portraits along The King's Mile, and the cathedral’s Chapter House was alight with 200 bulbs as part of an international exhibition from artist Bernardi Roig.

Canterbury for Groups

There is plenty for groups to do when visiting Canterbury. Those who enjoy walking can take part in many walking tours and guided tours of Canterbury.

For those who want a more relaxed tour, Canterbury offers boat trips and river tours. Visitors can also go punting on the river.

There are also many museums and galleries such as the Kent Museum of Freemasonry, the Lilford Gallery and the Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction.

Groups who like history can pay a visit to Canterbury Norman Castle, which is thought to have been built during the 11th century. Visitors can explore various parts of the ruined castle as well as the grounds that surround it.

For more information visit www.canterburyfestival.co.uk.