The countdown to Great Stour Riverfest… is on

The district is counting down the days until the Great Stour Riverfest. 

The event, which starts on Saturday 14 September, will celebrate all things river-related. 

Unprecedented demand means many of the events have now sold out but there are still lots of ways to get involved. 

This year Westgate Gardens in Canterbury is hosting the free Great Stour Riverfest Fair on Saturday 14 September from 10am to 4pm. 

With many stalls and activities for the family to enjoy, you will be able to learn about and get involved with the Kent Wildlife Trust, the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership, the Canterbury Rotary club and many more! Bring a picnic.

Find out more here. 

Entries are open for the Children’s Art Competition on the theme of The River Stour And Its Wildlife (ages four to 15).  

All you need to do is submit your artwork to the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge information desk by Monday 9 September.  

There are many prizes to be won, from vouchers to river tours. 

See the full terms and conditions. 

On Friday 20 September, we are lucky to have a free event hosted by the Canterbury Biodiversity Network at St Peter’s Methodist Church: An Evening Of Illustrated Talks On The Great Stour’s Plant Life And Mammals.  

This event will be first-come-first-served so make sure you get there early to reserve your seat.  

We will be joined by ethnobotanist Hallie Bryant Rounthwaite and ecologist and conservationist Hazel Ryan for two fascinating talks.  

Click here for more information and to register your interest. 

The council’s Cabinet member for biodiversity and open spaces, Cllr Mel Dawkins, said: “I am really excited about this year’s festival and with so many sell outs, it proves people living in the district are too. 

“They really cherish the river and its impact on the city. 

“Please make the most of the free events on offer to learn about our river and take advantage of everything it has to offer. 

“After a successful event last year, I am so pleased to see it growing and evolving.” 

There are still opportunities to sign up to remaining ticketed events below. 

If you see an event you like but it has sold out, why not sign up to the waiting list?

Published: 3 September 2024