Wise Words Festival takes place across 10 days in May and offers a programme of thought provoking talks, walks, performances and poetry. We believe in poetry as a catalyst for change. Through bearing witness to the diversity and complexity of human experience, poetry reaches across difference and inspires empathy, understanding and often ignites a passion for making a positive difference within the world.

The Wise Words festival is woven into the fabric of the city, taking place in the gardens, in coffee shops in punts on the river with the aim of engaging the widest possible audience. We support the development of local artists through giving them opportunities to share the stage with some of the biggest names and hope that our programme inspires a more proactive and open minded sense of community within the city.

"Wow! If this is literature I've been missing out! - A Canterbury resident. | "The Wise Words Festival might just become the beating heart of this beautiful city!" | A Canterbury resident. "A little festival with courage, determination and a lot of passion!" A Canterbury resident