Video: St Nicholas kicks
off Christmas in Canterbury.

by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Hundreds lined the streets of Canterbury to enjoy the 12th
annual St Nicholas Festival parade on Saturday.

The patron saint of children himself waved to the crowds
alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and
Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott as the parade made its
way from Westgate Towers through the city centre to the
Cathedral.

The procession band included pupils from Simon Langton Grammar
School for Girls, Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, Barton
Court Grammar School, St Stephen’s Junior School, St Peter’s
Methodist Primary School and Gravesend Grammar School for Boys.

Fanfares were also played by trumpeters from Christ Church
University.

After the procession, the crowds followed St Nicholas into the
Cathedral precincts for a special service led by the Archbishop of
Canterbury.

This year, the festival also included music at the Rose Square
bandstand, organised with the help of students from Canterbury
College and Big Bash Music. Notable performances included a set
from the Simon Langton Grammar School for Girls Soul and Funk
band.

See more pictures from the procession in this week's
Kentish Gazette, out Thursday.