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Voices for Sanctuary

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  • Voices for Sanctuary

    • An evening of Gospel Music at Canterbury Cathedral

    Join us for a unique and uplifting evening to celebrate the University of Kent’s 60th anniversary year.

    Experience the power and joy of gospel music as the University of Kent and Canterbury Cathedral come together with Voices for Sanctuary.

    Proceeds from the event will go directly to University of Kent’s Sanctuary Programme. We support refugee and asylum-seeking students to rebuild their lives through education, find belonging within the Kent community, and fulfil their potential.

    With words from:

    The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover

    Hosted by YolanDa Brown

    Students who have found sanctuary in Canterbury

    Featuring:

    University of Kent Gospel Choir

    Canterbury Christ Church Gospel Choir

    Clive Brown & Urban Sound

    And special guests to be announced

    £25 General Admission Tickets (Central Nave)
    £10 Listening Tickets (Nave sides, obstructed view)

    £100 VIP Experience includes:

    • A sparkling canapé reception at Cathedral Lodge
    • A private candle-lit acoustic performance in the Cathedral
    • VIP Gold-block concert seating
    • Please book HERE, for more information please contact Sarah Boswell s.boswell@kent.ac.uk

    Please note: This event features personal narratives from individuals who came to the UK seeking asylum contains sensitive material, which some people might find moving

    Man singing into microphone

    Clive Brown is a leading figure in British gospel music, widely recognised for his powerful direction, rich vocal arrangements and lasting impact on generations of singers. With over 40 years of experience, he has trained some of the UK’s most renowned gospel artists and is celebrated for a sound that blends spiritual depth with musical excellence. His credits include performing with Meat Loaf, Mariah Carey, Shirley Caesar and the late Thomas Whitfield, as well as appearances at Euro 96 and in the West End production Mama, I Want to Sing.

    Clive’s signature style as a singer, writer, arranger and theatre performer is dynamic, electrifying and deeply rooted in faith, captivating audiences across five decades. His latest ensemble, Clive Brown & Urban Sound (CBUS), is a vibrant choir formed in 2019, known for their soulful harmonies, creative arrangements and heartfelt performances. Dedicated to ministry and transformation through music, CBUS is a 20+ member collective that brings gospel into contemporary spaces while honouring its roots. Their debut EP The Divine was released in 2023 to critical acclaim, followed by standout performances at the Premier Gospel Awards and Music and Arts Global. In May 2025, they delivered another powerful live concert and are now preparing to release their first full-length album.

    Clive Brown & Urban Sound are preparing to bring their empowering sound across London, the UK and internationally offering performances that promise to uplift, inspire and empower.

    Produced in association with Goziam Okogwu, The Rite Collective. 

    In partnership with:

    With thanks to Pharon IFA Ltd., the sponsor for this event and Biddenden, the drinks sponsor for this event

     

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    Voices for Sanctuary

    Fri 31 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.

    Our projects with young people

    GENFest Young people posing in a cardboard Instagram frame

    ART31 Generate

    Providing workshops, support, and performance opportunities, Generate is where creativity gives voice to young perspectives whether in theatre making, film media, music, visual arts and more!

    Youth Theatre

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

    Live Streaming film equipment.

    SCREEN31

    Screen31 is a group for young people aged 15-25 interested in developing their film-making skills.
    TECH31

    TECH31

    TECH31 provides free practical training in technical theatre for ages 13 - 25

    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.

    Square Pegs 1

    Square Pegs Arts

    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.
    A selection of images arranged on a wall

    KRAN Fam

    KRAN Fam is a drama group in partnership with Kent Refugee Action Network for young refugees and asylum-seekers.

    Accessible Film Club

    Relaxed Screenings

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

    Young People - Screen31 ARTY31

    ARTY31

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

    Film tickets

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