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Afro-Celt Sound System

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  • Afro-Celt Sound System

    • Afro Celt Sound System are among the pioneers of the contemporary world music scene!

    Their ground-breaking fusion of African, Gaelic and Bhangra influenced sounds has won the hearts and minds of audiences since the group’s beginnings over 25 years ago. With album sales now topping more than one and a half million, two Grammy nominations to date and tours all around the world, they are the legendary afro-celtic band bringing spirits and music from different cultures together for a breath-taking show.

    In March 2023, Simon Emmerson sadly passed away after prolonged illness. Simon founded the groundbreaking group and was the driving force in its innovative genre defying recordings and live shows. His loss will be felt for many years by both the band and their fans alike.

    Simon was however steadfast in his belief that the band should continue after his passing, and had been working on the next album for some time. Then rest of the band are honoured to announce the new album OVA (short for Ovate, and the Afro Celt Symbol) will be released in Simon’s memory in October 2024, alongside the group’s first tour since 2019.

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    Afro-Celt Sound System

    Sat 26 October

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    ART31

    ART31 takes its name from Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, which states that ‘Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities’.

    ART31 is a vision created with, by, and for young people in Kent, championing the belief that all children and young people have an entitlement to access high quality arts and culture, to empower them to achieve their creative potential, and to genuinely engage young people as equal partners in any decision making that affects them.

    The ART31 Youth Board is made up of young people from across Kent aged 13-25 who steer its governance, and influence policy and practice across the county and beyond, challenging the creative sector to examine existing ways of working and integrate young people into the core of their practice.

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    Fantastic and fun sessions for ages 13-18 years, encouraging creativity and theatre-making skills.

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    SCREEN31

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    TECH31

    TECH31 provides free practical training in technical theatre for ages 13 - 25
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    National Theatre Connections – Gulbenkian Young Company

    NT Connections is the National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre festival. Each year it offers a unique opportunity for youth theatres and school theatre groups to stage new plays written for young people by some of theatre’s most exciting playwrights, and to perform in leading theatres across the UK.
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    Gulbenkian Uncovered

    Are you enthusiastic, committed and creative? Gulbenkian Uncovered gives University of Kent students the chance to programme films and run events.

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    Square Pegs Arts are an award winning charity who provide drama groups, music projects and other accessible Arts opportunities for children and young adults who have learning disabilities and autism, and produce original, inspiring, challenging Theatre. Difference is celebrated and everyone is supported to shine in their own way.
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    KRAN Fam is a drama group in partnership with Kent Refugee Action Network for young refugees and asylum-seekers.

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    Monthly film screenings that are open to all, especially those with autism and learning disabilities.

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    ARTY31

    Gulbenkian’s ARTY31 group is for young people aged 8-12 with a wide variety of arts interests.

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