I had the pleasure of attending the launch of this year’s Music at Malling festival on Thursday 17 September at Went House in West Malling — the beautiful and historic home of Festival Chairman Alan Gibbins.
Alan gave a heartfelt speech and a vote of thanks to everyone involved in bringing this, the 16th festival, to life.
This year’s programme, running from 18–26 September across a wonderful range of local venues, is packed with world class performances, community events and opportunities to experience outstanding music right here in the Mallings. You can explore the full programme and book tickets at: www.musicatmalling.com
We were also treated to an memorable moment when James Pearson, Artistic Director of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, gave an impromptu piano performance that absolutely lit up the room.
A special thank you to West Malling’s own Artistic Director, Tom Kemp, whose characteristically amusing and uplifting speech set exactly the right tone for the evening. We are very grateful for his warm invitation to the event and for everything he and his team do to make this festival such a treasured part of our cultural life.
Photo: L-R Artistic Director Thomas Kemp, Helen Grant MP, Edward Kemp KC, The Reverend Canon Dr Helen Burn.
