A free festival held in Canterbury and Medway will provide action-packed days of engagement inspired by Kent’s history of trade, travel, and settlement on Saturday 23 and 30 April (10.00-16.00).
Organised by the University in collaboration with the Institute of Historical Research, Canterbury Cathedral and Archives, Canterbury Christ Church University, and the Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archives, the two events will appeal to families, teenagers and adults and provide a memorable experience to learn about Kent’s heritage. The Festival will be held at Westgate Hall, Canterbury (23 April) and the Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham (30 April).
Kent: Gateway to the World History Festival will explore the world’s oldest seagoing boat and medieval pilgrims, the cultures and influences of migrant groups and visitors, and how war has made Kent home to many communities. There will be bite-size history talks, walking tours and hands-on, creative activities for all.
Confirmed event partners for the Festival include: the Dover Museum, Maison Dieu (Dover), Kent Mining Museum, Faversham Society, Faversham Archaeological Research Group, Western Front Association, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne, Rochester Guildhall Museum, Rochester Cathedral Library and Archives and Rochester Bridge Trust.
Professor Mark Connelly from the University’s School of History, who has led the organising of the Festival, said: ‘Kent has a fascinating history and thanks to the work of researchers from a huge range of organisations and backgrounds, we are always making new and exciting discoveries. By bringing partners and collaborators together from across the region for the Kent: Gateway to the World History Festival we are providing a fun, educational experience that will enrich understandings of our local heritage.’
Those interested can register for free tickets on Eventbrite.
For Canterbury tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kent-gateway-to-the-world-history-festival-tickets-275445523977
For Medway tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kent-gateway-to-the-world-history-festival-tickets-294512774637?aff=erelpanelorg
(N.B. Visitors to the Royal Engineers Museum who do not use the advanced Eventbrite booking option will be charged the usual museum entry fee.)