Canterbury Festival has many special qualities. It is the major promoter of international arts in East Kent; it is enjoyed by a hugely loyal audience from the region and is generally regarded as the highlight of Kent's cultural calendar. Never content to relax and enjoy its position - the Festival has clearly articulated ambitions for the future.

So what is the way forward - and how can the Festival become bigger, better and more successful?

Plans include the commissioning of new works and the hosting of world and UK premieres. Such activity commands national press interest and raises the profile of Canterbury as a centre of excellence in the Arts. Creative partnerships will be forged between international and local artists to allow skills and practices to be shared. The Festival will showcase more Kent-based performers, bringing them to national attention. More young people are becoming involved - not just as audiences for the ever-widening programme, but as volunteers helping to develop the Festival's education and outreach strategy. And there are increasingly more ways to enjoy the Festival - through workshops, master-classes, competitions and community projects. Gradually the Festival is spreading its activity to other parts of the county. Already established in Margate's Theatre Royal, future plans include projects in Dover, Folkestone and Ashford.

Naturally such ambition requires extra finance, and the Festival places considerable importance on attracting support from funders, individual benefactors, local business, and trusts and foundations.

Festival Director Rosie Turner describes some of the latest developments,

'In 2009 the Festival was asked by Canterbury City Council to take responsibility for the continuing development of creative writing and live literature events in the district. The Festival is currently designing an exciting year-round programme  to meet this challenge.'

'In partnership with Arts Council England, South East, the Festival has been asked to develop a range of exciting creative projects in addition to the current reach and remit of the October programme. Recruitment is underway for a Creative Producer to deliver this activity over the next two years.  The Canterbury Festival is growing and changing, taking on more projects during the year and spreading its geographical reach throughout East Kent. Keep watching the website for updates.'

'Canterbury Festival has a very distinguished history. It's our job to ensure that its greatest success is still to come.'