The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Education at Canterbury Christ Church hosts expertise across the full human experience and creativity, with subject knowledge in different subjects and disciplines ranging from Archaeology to Visual Communication. This two day festival celebrates our rich contribution to heritage, faith, creativity and culture with a wide range of activities, aimed at diverse audiences. Academic staff and students will offer engaging, lively and inspiring sessions that showcase the work we do at the university.

Events on Saturday 22^nd October

On Saturday 22^nd October we will be hosting a number of family-friendly events suitable for all ages, so whether you're young or just young at heart, there's something for everyone! 

Postgraduate Poster Session

Verena Holmes Building

An all day event which takes the form of an exhibition of posters, showcasing our postgraduate research students' work.

Family Workshop: The Power of Light

10:00am, Old Sessions House, OS.0.03 - Hall

Find out about how light works, and how scientists are using light to investigate really small things that help inform our thinking about really Big Questions! We will be working together to take part in hands-on activities that bring dinosaurs, health, energy and space into our university classroom through the research taking place at Diamond Light Source (UK’s synchrotron).

DJ technology in live performance

11am, Daphne Oram, DO.0.14

Professor Matthew Wright has had music played at the Sydney Opera House, released with record labels in New York City, performed at Abbey Road Studios and the Barbican and has worked alongside Hollywood actor Bryan Cranston. In this fun session, he will show how DJ technology and live sampling with Ableton Live can be used to create on-the-spot performances. Bring your instrument or voice if you would like to play along! 

Introduction to Makaton

11:30-12:30, Old Sessions House, OS.0.01

Makaton is a sign and symbol language programme used by children and adults with speech,language and communication difficulties as well as their families, friends, teachers, carers, etc.The signs (hand gestures) are derived from the language of the local deaf community which in the UK is British Sign Language. Each sign has an associated symbol which is a carefully designed black and white line drawing. This Makaton Taster is a practical session during which you'll have a general introduction to Makaton and will learn 30 signs and symbols. No prior experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome (whatever age).

Save Kent from Dracula

12pm - 1pm, Anselm Studio 1

Save Kent from Dracula is an immersive game experience for all ages. Teams compete to travel to safety across a giant map of Kent by collecting holy water, garlic, and helpful letters from gothic friends.

Using Archaeological Insights to Open Up Life and Death Conversations

12:30pm, Old Sessions House, OS.0.03

The Coffin Tales Roadshow has toured across Kent and Essex and is coming to Canterbury, using archaeological insights and food traditions to explore talking about life, death and age old traditions. Come along to this interactive and uplifting event to look at historical and local customs, experience traditions, and to reflect. This takes a creative and engaging approach to sharing experiences, and experiencing creative ways of sparking conversations around the life span.

Smallfilms Talk

12:30-1:30pm, Old Sessions, OS.0.19 (Mabb Lovell Court lecture room)

Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog, Pingwings, Pogles Wood, Clangers, and Bagpuss - the iconic animations produced by the Canterbury-based Smallfilms studio between 1958 and 1984 -constitute a significant thread of British cultural history. As well as covering the shows likely to be already familiar to audience members, this talk expands the Smallfilms story to cast light on hitherto overlooked and forgotten animated shows that nonetheless played an important part in the studio’s history.

Stop Motion Animation workshop

1:30pm, Laud, Lg48

Ever fancied a go at making a stop motion animation? This workshop gives you the opportunity to make your own characters and backgrounds using a variety of craft materials. You can then use these to create your very own short stop motion animation.

Hi3 Demo on VR Headsets

2:30pm, Laud, Lg21

An introduction to the Hi3 Network: A Research and Development project in the screen technology sector. Drop into our green screen studio and co-working space to hear about our work with local companies; see a demo of our VR headsets; find out what our drones are capable of, and see what other exciting kits we’re using to support businesses in the region.

Creative Dance Workshop

3:00-4:00pm, Anselm Studio 1

A creative dance workshop for children and their families.

Remembering Canterbury

3:30-4:30pm, Old Sessions House, OS.1.01

Join us to share your memories of growing up or living in Canterbury. Feel free to bring along any photographs or any other items that help to communicate those memories.