St Edmund's
The Festival on the Hill: eight years of creativity, community and world-class performances!
What began as a bold and celebratory idea in 2017 has grown into one of Kent’s most distinctive cultural events. The St Edmund’s Festival – Festival on the Hill – launched with a landmark opening concert featuring school alumnus and internationally renowned concert pianist Freddie Kempf. Eight years on, the Festival has firmly established itself not only within the local community, but across Kent and on the national stage.
Since its inception, the Festival has welcomed an extraordinary line-up of internationally recognised performers. Artists including Curtis Stigers, Courtney Pine, Jess Gillam, The Bootleg Beatles, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra have all played to sold-out audiences in the school’s Theatre, drawing visitors from far beyond the immediate area. Uniquely, these performances take place in an environment that allows St Edmund’s pupils – alongside those from local schools – to experience world-class artistry at close quarters, an education in itself.
Creativity sits at the heart of the school and Festival and is celebrated in all its forms. Across the week-long programme, art, music, sport, dance and drama come together through performances, masterclasses and workshops. Highlights include the much-anticipated annual cricket match against the MCC, reinforcing the Festival’s commitment to celebrating excellence both on and off the stage.
Community benefit remains central to the Festival’s ethos, with all events open to the wider public. A standout feature is the annual singing day led by celebrated vocal coach Mark De Lisser, known for his work with the BBC Dementia Choir alongside actor Vicky McClure. Now a firm Festival favourite, the day brings together pupils, members of the local community and participants from the Bright Shadows dementia charity. The joy, connection and power of singing are never more evident than in this extraordinary day.
The continued growth and success of the Festival on the Hill is a powerful statement of the school’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating creativity in all its forms. Looking ahead, excitement is already building for opening night 2026, when The Horne Section, featuring Alex Horne of Channel 4’s Taskmaster fame, takes to the Theatre stage.
Beyond the main Festival week, Festival Presents… events run throughout the year, with an evening featuring acclaimed poet Harry Baker currently in planning.
‘The Festival on the Hill – a celebration of creativity, excellence and community’
The Festival on the Hill at St Edmund’s School will take place from 24–30 June, 2026.
For the full programme and latest announcements, visit:
👉 www.stedmundsfestival.org.uk
