Video: Sample the
atmosphere at the parade

by Gerry Warren

The Canterbury Festival got off to a spectacular
start on Saturday with the traditional colourful procession through
the city centre followed by a fireworks display in the Dane
John.

Children from 16 schools across the
district joined community groups, including two samba bands and a
steel band, to create a 400-strong parade which dazzled onlookers
with its bright colourful costumes and rousing rhythm.

The procession set off from the
Westgate Hall, led by Whitstable Samba Band, who set the frenetic
beat, and accompanied by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Harry Cragg.

The schoolchildren represented
various continents with different headdresses and cultural
themes.

During the day, street performers entertained
shoppers in the city centre, along with some of the acts that
will be taking to the stage during the two-week
festival, among them Argentine Tango South East, The
Really Promising Company, The Little Bulb Theatre, The Maridadi
Singers and Harry Rowe and his Dancers.

But the diversity of the festival
could not have been better illustrated than by some of the first
day’s performers - Bad Manners with Buster Blood Vessel at the
Westgate Hall and The Sixteen Choir and Orchestra performing Handel
in the Cathedral Nave.

For more pictures and
information about the festival, see the two-page special in this
week's Gazette.