- 6 weeks ago
Catch up with all the latest news from across the county with Isabelle Miller.
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00:00Hello and welcome to Kent Tonight Live on KMTV.
00:28I'm Isabel Miller and here are your top stories on Wednesday 22nd October.
00:33Hoping for peaceful protests, Canterbury reacts to upcoming anti-immigration and counter demonstrations.
00:41I don't like it but people are upset, they still have to have a voice.
00:46Hidden and seen, we speak to Rochester residents during Invisible Disabilities Week.
00:52Today you look okay, yes today I look okay so I can come and walk around town but they don't see the pain and the exhaustion.
01:01And a week of festivals. We visit the largest gurdwara in Europe as people travel hundreds of miles to celebrate Diwali and Bandishore Divas in Gravesend.
01:12I think this is like the central gurdwara for Kent. It's worth the travelling and yes, they put on a massive community sort of atmosphere.
01:24Our top story tonight, this weekend, Canterbury will see more protests.
01:38Similar to one that took place in September, protesters will focus on the housing of asylum seekers in the city.
01:44There will also be a counter protest. We've been getting reaction from people hoping for peaceful demonstrations.
01:50Etli Reynold has more.
01:53Over the past few months, the country has seen a number of protests take place.
01:58And another protest is set to happen here in Canterbury this weekend, along the same topic of asylum seekers and accommodation here in the town.
02:07On Saturday, the 25th of October, a second protest will be taking place in the historic town in just over a month.
02:15But how do residents and those who work in the area feel?
02:18I've kind of mixed about it. One side I believe that everybody has the right to protest and the freedom of speech.
02:25The other side of the coin is that I disagree what their approach is.
02:29I feel that it might be difficult for people who live and have to work and travel through Canterbury if it gets out of hand.
02:41If it's a peaceful protest, then, you know, everyone's entitled to their opinion.
02:46I don't like it. But, you know, if people are upset, they still have to have a voice.
02:51And hopefully we can find a productive way forward and maybe a bit more understanding to try and get to what the real issues are.
02:57Additionally, much like last time, counter protests will be taking place.
03:01They are organised by groups such as Stand Up to Racism.
03:04And ward councillor Connie Nolan will be attending one this weekend, just as she did last month.
03:10I think that it's very sad that we've got people from outside Canterbury organising a march through our historic and medieval city.
03:20marching to a children's home where we have unaccompanied asylum seeking children who are there temporarily, that it causes disruption for all the residents in the area.
03:35And also, I believe it's, you know, it's meant to intimidate the children that are there.
03:41I think trying to intimidate children is absolutely appalling.
03:46Kent Police have said they are aware of a planned protest in Canterbury on Saturday, the 25th of October, 2025.
03:53The force is in contact with the organisers and will have sufficient resources in place to both facilitate peaceful protests and keep any disruption to the wider public to a minimum.
04:04Etterley Reynolds for KMTV in Canterbury.
04:08A cricket club in Ashford has been the latest target of graffiti in the area, as well as damage costing thousands of pounds.
04:16CCTV shows someone ripping ashtrays off Willsborough Cricket Club's walls, causing £2,000 worth of repairs.
04:23They say the suspect consistently put up graffiti every day from September 19th from around 6.30 to 8.30pm.
04:33It comes as Willsborough Cemetery was also targeted with obscene graffiti found on several graves by mourners on October 10th.
04:41Due to the graphic pieces covering the cemetery, there has been fencing put up around the area to protect the space.
04:48The local council are looking into the damage caused to the cemetery and police are investigating the damage done to the cricket club, asking anyone with information to contact them.
04:57We have asked police to comment on whether they are linking the incidents.
05:01And a man who carried out a two-week spree of thefts across Faversham and Ashford has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison.
05:11Billy Bird was charged with seven counts of theft from a shop and later pleaded guilty to all offences, including driving without a licence or insurance and trespassing on a railway line.
05:24The day of his arrest, he was found hiding under a bed. We can watch the footage now.
05:29I've got someone hiding in a bed at the moment. How are we getting you out of here?
05:36What's best for you? Are we lifted or are you coming out?
05:39Oh, it's Billy. You're under arrest, mate.
05:52Early plans for new homes in Mepham have been revealed, but face opposition from those wanting to protect the Greenbelt land.
05:59House builder Taylor Wimpey have proposed 150 new homes on the nearly eight hectare farmland site, saying half will be affordable.
06:08The design includes parking spaces, play areas and cycle routes alongside space for native trees and flowers.
06:15Mepham resident Caroline Halfpenny previously slammed the plans, branding them bonkers.
06:20Taylor Wimpey is running a public consultation to allow residents to comment on the scheme before it submits a planning application later this year.
06:28And next is Invisible Disabilities Week, which was created to bring awareness, education and support.
06:37From autism and epilepsy to chronic conditions and anxiety, many people across the UK have a hidden disability and this week aims to educate the public about them, break down stigmas and promote diversity in the workplace.
06:50Many people wear a sunflower lanyard to identify themselves with an invisible disability.
06:55We asked the residents of Rochester how much they know about the lanyard and what it means.
07:00Yeah, so I actually work in the special needs school just up the road.
07:03So autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, PDA, ODD.
07:08So obviously a lot of our pupils have to wear the sunflower.
07:11People will look at you and go, but today you look okay.
07:15Yep, today I look okay so I can come and walk around town.
07:20But they don't see the pain and the exhaustion.
07:23I do know we've got a lanyard hanging up at work.
07:25I'm not sure whose it is yet, but I know that somebody has that symbol on them.
07:30Yeah, I mean, I definitely think the awareness needs to be bigger.
07:33And I think the language around it needs to become more positive and not saying, oh, they're wearing it because they want the attention or they want things just because,
07:40and actually making it a really positive conversation rather than negative.
07:44I don't think I'd personally treat them any differently to anybody else.
07:48But I do understand that, especially in a busy bar, it might be necessary.
07:54I would prefer to use the flower one, if you think about the sunflower one.
07:59So maybe I'd think about getting one of those.
08:03The Prime Minister has weighed in on controversy surrounding Kent County Council as the reform leadership continues to come under pressure.
08:11Speaking in Prime Minister's questions, Sir Keir Starmer mocked the suspension of four councillors earlier this week, which reform claims brought the party into disrepute.
08:21To break down all the latest, local democracy reporter Olly Leder joins us on the sofa now.
08:27So can you tell me about the drama that unfolded?
08:29So we'll get to this in a bit, because let's break down exactly what brought us to the Prime Minister bringing all of this up in Parliament.
08:37Over the weekend, The Guardian got their hands on a leaked meeting from August, where it appeared to show Lyndon Kamkaran, the leader of KCC, clashing with backbenchers, unhappy with the way she was leading things.
08:52And you know what, we have a clip from that video to show you how tumultuous that meeting really was.
08:59There physically isn't time at this stage.
09:02So what we've done...
09:03I'm not asking you to run through everything.
09:05I'm just asking you...
09:06Well you are, that's exactly what you're asking me to do.
09:08No, no, no, no, no.
09:11We heard there, that was from The Guardian, they obtained that.
09:15And that led the next day to a message being sent out from the leader saying that she was investigating all of this.
09:26Talk of traitors being in the ranks is kind of the general gist of what has been talked about.
09:31Then on Monday, four councillors were suspended for bringing the party into disrepute.
09:38We've reached out to all of them. Some of them, like Maxine Fothergill, have protested their innocence.
09:45Others, like Bill Barrett, have said they don't want to comment at this particular time.
09:49But that's brought us to today at Prime Minister's Questions, where Sir Keir Starmer waded in on all of the action.
09:57And what has...
09:58Mr Speaker, councils have a vital role in our communities.
10:01And it's not just Durham where reform are doing...
10:04I think four councillors in Kent have just been suspended for bringing the party into disrepute.
10:10I mean, that is...
10:11Bringing the party into disrepute is quite something for a party whose Welsh leader accepts Russian bribes to spread Putin's propaganda.
10:19So what have reformed, Sid?
10:22Look, he's not mincing any words there, but neither are Reform UK.
10:26I reached out to them for a comment about an hour or so before the programme.
10:30They got back very quickly.
10:31They said this is Keir Starmer desperately trying to deflect from the fact he's presiding of a litany of broken election promises,
10:38record illegal immigration, anemic economic growth.
10:42And he says the public will take what he has to say with a pinch of salt.
10:47Now, we go on social media and there are people who are quite upset with the way that Lyndon Cameron was in the meeting.
10:53Upset with the infighting appearing to engulf KCC.
10:58We did try reaching out to the leader to Reform UK about what's happening specifically at KCC.
11:04There are many quite tight-lipped. There are obviously internal investigations ongoing, which may explain why there's such silence from the KCC administration.
11:15But this is kind of what we're seeing here emerging on the national stage.
11:20This very local infighting perhaps breaking out into national politics here with Keir Starmer now commenting on it all.
11:28And just quickly, what is next?
11:30Well, we don't necessarily know. We are hearing rumours that potentially there might be a few disgruntled backbenchers
11:38potentially calling for a no-confidence vote.
11:41And obviously the Reform Administration will be looking towards a budget in the future as well.
11:47Thank you very much, Oli. And that's all we have for this part. We'll see you after the break.
11:58We'll see you next time.
14:58Hello and welcome back to Kent and I live here on KMTV.
15:15A Hearn Bay nightclub owner is hoping to tackle antisocial behaviour with discos for under-18s.
15:22Nathan Ahmed and his family have run Vivid for 15 years and are now teaming up with youths in the Bay to host events aimed at 11-15 year olds.
15:31The first will be on Halloween from 6-10pm.
15:35The club's safety measures include DBS checked employees as well as removal of alcohol.
15:40According to Nathan, the mission is to keep kids off the streets while offering a welcoming space for making new friends and creating lasting memories.
15:49An American fast food giant has opened its first UK restaurant here in Kent.
15:55Seafood chain Captain D's opened its doors in Broadstairs with the location acting as the flagship store across all of Europe.
16:03Known for fried seafood and chicken dishes, the chain exceeded expectations serving over 1,500 meals on opening day alone.
16:12Customers were welcomed with one pound fish and chips deal.
16:15Those spending over 15 pounds were also awarded a free t-shirt.
16:19Fran Donovan, Centre Director of Westford Cross Shopping Centre, described Captain D's as bringing something unique not just to Broadstairs but to the country.
16:29Now, let's take a look at the health headlines across Kent, including a breakthrough that will assist the prescription of antidepressants based on individual needs.
16:39And according to a new study, a blood test for more than 50 types of cancer could help speed up diagnosis.
16:46Joining me is Dr. Julian Spinks.
16:48So, can you tell us a little bit about this development into antidepressants then?
17:00Yes, we've known for a long time that different types of antidepressants affect people slightly differently.
17:07And we've always tied to tailor the thing that we're giving to someone to that person.
17:12What this has confirmed is really what we were thinking before.
17:15Some of the older antidepressants are associated with being sedated, are associated with weight gain.
17:21Some of the others actually don't do that and some of the newer antidepressants actually can make you lose a little bit of weight, which is good news.
17:28But we will look and see.
17:29If you've got someone who's very anxious, then a slightly sedative antidepressants is a good idea.
17:34It stops them being that much anxious.
17:36They may sleep better as well.
17:38For other people who are working, they don't really want to be sedated and you don't want to be driving when you're partly drugged up.
17:43So we use drugs which are neutral or slightly stimulant.
17:47So that tailoring thing is a very, very important thing.
17:50And this actually sort of builds on that.
17:52Although I have to say the research was based on symptoms in the first sort of seven or eight days.
17:57And a lot of antidepressants, people get side effects in the first few days and then they tend to fade.
18:02So we often say to people, try and bear with it for a week or two because there's a good chance to be able to tolerate it.
18:07And there's around eight million people in the UK that use antidepressants.
18:11I mean, how important is it to get that individual care and tailor it to the individual?
18:16I think the first thing is we need to make sure we're only giving it to people who really will benefit from it.
18:21If you've got mild depression, antidepressants will not make a difference as to how quickly you recover.
18:26But it is important that we make sure that when we do give them the thing, that they get the right drug.
18:32We want people to take it for long enough, but at the same time, we don't want people on long term treatment.
18:37And we also need to be doing things like talk therapy and other approaches which will improve their depression without the medication.
18:43And as we're getting into these winter months, there are people who suffer from seasonal depression.
18:49What would your advice to those people be?
18:51Well, this is really interesting because a lot of animals, for example, this is hibernation time and their hormones change.
18:57And we know that two things, melatonin, which is to do with sleep and serotonin, which is to do with mood, change in the winter months because of the shorter days.
19:06And one of the things we give as advice is to get plenty of sunlight during the day.
19:11Also, you can extend that by getting these seasonal affective disorder lights, which have a sort of bright white blue light, which again can reset the clock.
19:20But for some people, all you can do is look at giving antidepressants to help support them.
19:25And moving on to an American pharmaceutical firm, Grail, they've done a study that shows that a blood test can identify more than 50 types of cancer and is currently being trialled by the NHS.
19:36What can you tell us about this and the impact it could have?
19:39This is a so-called gallery test.
19:41And what it looks for is tiny fragments of DNA that come off cancers and go into the bloodstream so they can test for those.
19:48And there are 50 really very varied cancers, some of which are major killers that can be detected using this.
19:54It does seem to be fairly reliable.
19:56The number of false positives is relatively low.
19:58And interestingly, some of the ones that were thought to be false positive, about a third of them, turned out to be cancer in the end.
20:05So that's good news.
20:06We're not at the stage where we know exactly how we're going to use this.
20:10There's going to be costs involved.
20:12It's unlikely it's going to be a test that everyone has every year or something like that.
20:15It may still be where there's suspicion from a GP or a clinician.
20:20But this is a really big thing because it means that we can provide reassurance or we can actually start to look more closely to see if something's going on.
20:28And can you tell us how it detects cancer and how it compares to other ways of detecting cancer?
20:32Most other ways are doing things like sort of x-rays and scans and so on.
20:37There are a few blood tests we can do to look at things like ovarian cancer and so on, but they're very specific.
20:42So you've got to pretty much target what you're going to test for.
20:45The good thing about this is that it's going to detect a whole range and it's because it's looking at the tiny bits of DNA that get broken off from cancers.
20:53We know cancers are very, you know, the big problem is them spreading and that's because bits fall off them.
20:58And so we can look for those parts and the test will then go, ah, this looks like it could be a breast cancer that you can't feel in the form of a lump.
21:05Getting that early diagnosis makes an enormous difference because we know the earlier you get a cancer, the more likely you are, you can actually cure that cancer.
21:14And so, for example, early breast cancer, you've got a greater than 90% survival rate at five years.
21:19And how could this speed up diagnosis?
21:23I think the main thing, as a GP, it's a real problem. Sometimes it's something really obvious you're aiming for.
21:29There are other people where you're just going, I'm not happy, there's something wrong here, but you can't actually tell.
21:34And at the moment we have special clinics we can send to which are the, I think this person has cancer, but I don't know which.
21:39This would give us an opportunity, but it may be actually to test earlier and then say, yes, I know which clinic they need to go to, so they'll get their treatment that much earlier.
21:48And one last thing I wanted to talk about is Dartford's Livingstone Community Hospital.
21:53It's a community diagnostic centre which is open. How will this help, Kent, maybe reduce waiting time?
21:59Very definitely. What it's doing is giving GPs more opportunity to organise tests directly.
22:05It'll have tests like CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasounds and so on, which means, again, if we're suspicious someone has an illness, we can refer and get that test.
22:14Whereas before we would have had to refer into hospital, you have to wait to see a consultant and then the consultant have to organise the test.
22:21So it will shortcut it quite a lot. And for people who are worried, it may also say, actually, you don't need to worry. It turns out this isn't a problem.
22:28Well, thank you very much for joining us in the studio, Dr. Julian Spinks there.
22:41Now, don't forget you can keep up to date with all your latest stories across Kent by logging on to our website, kmtv.co.uk.
22:48There you'll find all our reports, such as this one, which takes a look into Restart a Heart Day, aiming to increase the number of people who can perform CPR and save lives during an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
23:00Restart a Heart Day is exactly what it sounds like. It's about teaching people how to save lives through one simple technique, CPR.
23:15Now, to start CPR, after checking to see that the victim isn't responding for breathing after 8 to 10 seconds,
23:23the next step is to place the palm of your hands onto them, then lock your arms together,
23:32and using your upper body strength, start the machine down on the victim's chest,
23:38break down 120 beats per minute.
23:43Lessons were taking place at the Stour Centre in Ashford to equip visitors with a skill that could save someone's life.
23:54So, it's really important that members of the public understand or know how to do CPR.
23:59Well, first of all, understand and know how to recognise that someone is in cardiac arrest
24:03and what to do if they find someone in cardiac arrest.
24:06Although the Amulet Service prioritises cardiac arrest patients as that there are Category 1 incidents,
24:13it's what the members of the public, family and members of the community do in the meantime,
24:20whilst the ambulance is on the way, that makes the biggest difference between a life loss and a life saved.
24:24I mean, from personal experience, I've been in a situation where I've had to do CPR out in public.
24:30I think if everybody can have those skills and know at least that, you know, it's okay to try your best in this situation,
24:40that actually that's all we need.
24:43Restart a Heart Day has an important meaning to healthcare workers as around 30,000 people in the UK have a sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
24:58I came in today with Amber as a lovely foundation to do some CPR training.
25:06I'm luckily already know a little bit about CPR, but I found today as kind of like a really helpful refresher.
25:17Medical staff are hoping that the public take these lessons to heart.
25:25Henry Luck for Kane TV in Ashford.
25:30Now it's time to take a look at the weather for the coming days.
25:40Make sure to keep dry this evening as heavy rain sweeps across Kent with temperatures consistent at 12 and 13 degrees.
25:47Moving into tomorrow, Kent is hit by yellow weather warning as nights, heavy rain and strong winds persist.
25:54Temperatures also get slightly colder with lows of 8 degrees in Royal Tunbridge Wells and highs of 11 degrees in Dover.
26:01Wind speeds come into the afternoon reaching 32 miles per hour.
26:05And your outlook, 12, 11 and 11.
26:09And now it's time for a break.
26:19Up next, Kent Police begin preparations for another anti-immigration protest in Canterbury following the previous demonstration in September.
26:27And Canterbury Festival continues.
26:29Join us with all the latest in the local arts community programme and a chat with the festival director, Susannah Stevenson.
26:36See you in a moment.
26:43Bye bye.
26:45Great mountain.
26:46T
27:05,
31:41I feel that it might be difficult for people who live and have to work and travel through
31:47Canterbury if it gets out of hand. If it's a peaceful protest then everyone's entitled
31:55to their opinion.
31:56I don't like it.
31:57But, you know, if people are upset.
31:59But if people are upset, they still have to have a voice and hopefully we can find a productive
32:03way forward and maybe a bit more understanding to try and get to what the real issues are.
32:07Additionally, much like last time, counter protests will be taking place. They're organised by
32:13groups such as Stand Up to Racism and Ward councillor Connie Nolan will be attending one this weekend
32:19just as she said, just as she said, I think that it's very sad that it's very sad that we've got people from outside Canterbury organising the march through our historic and medieval city, marching to a children's home where we have unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who are there temporarily.
32:39That it causes disruption for all the residents in the area. And also, I believe it's, you know, it's meant to intimidate the children that are there. I think trying to intimidate children is absolutely appalling.
32:56Kent Police have said they are aware of a planned protest in Canterbury on Saturday, the 25th of October, 2025.
33:03The force is in contact with the organisers and will have sufficient resources in place to both facilitate peaceful protests and keep any disruption to the wider public to a minimum.
33:14Etterley Reynolds for KMTV in Canterbury.
33:19It's Invisible Disabilities Week, which was created to bring awareness, education and support from autism and epilepsy to chronic conditions and anxiety.
33:29Many people across the UK have a hidden disability and this week aims to educate the public about them, break down stigmas and promote diversity in the workplace.
33:39Many people wear a sunflower lanyard to identify themselves with an invisible disability.
33:44We asked the residents of Rochester how much they know about the lanyard and what it means.
33:49Yeah, so I actually work in the special needs school just up the road.
33:51So autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, PDA, ODD, so obviously a lot of our pupils have to wear the sunflower.
33:59People will look at you and go, but today you look okay, yep today I look okay so I can come and walk around town, but they don't see the pain and the exhaustion.
34:11I do know we've got a lanyard hanging up at work, I'm not sure whose it is yet, but I know that somebody has that symbol on them.
34:18Yeah, I mean I definitely think the awareness needs to be bigger and I think the language around it needs to become more positive and not saying, oh they're wearing it because they want the attention or they want things just because and actually making it a really positive conversation rather than negative.
34:32I don't think I'd personally treat them any differently to anybody else, but I do understand that, especially in a busy bar, it might be necessary.
34:42I would prefer to use the flower one, if you think about the sunflower one, so maybe I'll think about getting one of those.
34:51Thousands have gathered for one of Kent's biggest events in the local arts calendar.
34:56The Canterbury Festival started last Friday and will run through until November the 1st.
35:01Visitors have a whole host of celebrity appearances or inspiring performances and cultural activities to look forward to across the city.
35:09Joining me live is the festival's director, Susanna Stevenson.
35:13Thank you very much for joining me.
35:16So can you tell us what the festival is about?
35:20Of course, I mean the Canterbury Festival is in its 41st year and it's a huge celebration of culture, creativity and community.
35:27So like you said, we started last week with some fantastic concerts from the likes of Evelyn Glennie and the 16 in the Knave.
35:33But we also have loads of gigs and comedy, talks, walks, free events and family events too.
35:40With a family takeover actually coming up this weekend on Saturday the 25th of October, where we have everything from a Moomin's puppetry show,
35:49Walter Perry opera doing Winnie the Pooh, a Draw with Rob event, a science demonstration, but also a whole load of free events.
35:55Because we want people who are wanting to engage and find something to do to have the chance to come and get a taste of making something,
36:04making a mask out of cardboard or trying out a new game being developed by Canterbury Christchurch University.
36:11So you can do that.
36:12You could also come along and see Hugh Bonneville.
36:14Like you said, there's a whole host of amazing performers and artists descending on Canterbury for this annual celebration of culture.
36:21So another one to mention is Troy Hawke, who's on screen now, the fantastic comedian.
36:27There's also Sam Lee, the Mercury Award winning folk artist.
36:32For people who like folk, you have to come along to Imelda May, also happening next week.
36:37But there's also fantastic choral, peaceful like the Talis scholars, the King singers and amazing poetry from the likes of Holly McNish.
36:46But if you like shanties, I have to say a particular highlight for me is going to be the Barrett's privateers,
36:52coming all the way up from Cornwall in order to do a fantastic night of shanties in the Westgate Hall.
36:58So there's so much to see and do.
37:01And for anyone who's particularly interested in having a debate, I'd recommend getting a ticket for The Money,
37:07which is this amazing theatre show, which will have people sitting in the council chambers in the Guildhall,
37:14the place where decisions about money are made all the time, deciding how to spend a pot of real cash.
37:19And the rules are simply, if they can agree how to spend it unanimously within 60 minutes, they can do that.
37:24So if they want to buy 15 kilos of chocolate, that's what they get to do.
37:28If they want to give it to a cat charity, that's what they can do.
37:31But the amazing thing is that you can either take part or you can sit and watch.
37:36And it's all about how we interact with society, because the arts relate to now.
37:41They don't sit in some abstract ivory tower.
37:44So I hope that people have a look at the programme and find something they want to come to.
37:49Even people with babies, you can come to a comedy gig designed especially for you,
37:54because it's called Bring Your Own Baby.
37:56And we recommend not coming if you have a little one older than 18 months old,
38:00because they might have started to develop their language a bit too much.
38:05I see. And how have visitors reacted?
38:08I mean, that's a lot of stuff you've mentioned.
38:10How have visitors been reacting so far?
38:13We've had some fantastic responses and really good audiences too.
38:17For example, on Saturday, we were blessed with gorgeous autumn weather,
38:22which meant that our beautiful noise celebration in the Canterbury City Centre went off with a real bang.
38:28So we had local choirs and performers and drummers performing on the high street in St Peter's Methodist Church.
38:36And it's a real chance for the community to get a chance, you know, have that platform to perform
38:40and also for people just to be able to walk through the city and get that sense that it's festival time.
38:45The city's come alive with culture.
38:47And that's what it's all about.
38:48I mean, we're also here all year round doing public engagement projects.
38:51We're going into schools and doing poetry.
38:53We're collaborating with local charities to engage with people who maybe suffer from dementia or experiencing homelessness.
39:00But this is our big moment.
39:03And people of Canterbury, I think, will already know that the end of October is festival time.
39:09But they may not know that we're also here year round doing projects.
39:13And this is all about giving people the chance to to engage, to maybe try something new, but also just to get out and have fun.
39:22And you mentioned community there.
39:24How is this bringing different communities together, ages and everyone?
39:30Well, for example, I think it's lovely to think about things you can do together as a family.
39:34So this year, we've got the King Singers coming, as I mentioned, to do a program called Close Harmony because they do fantastic acapella reinterpretations of music from across the ages, everything from Rossini to the Beatles.
39:49But they're also doing a Disney family concert.
39:52So it's all about kind of giving people the chance to try something new.
39:55And I love the idea that a grandparent who maybe loves the King Singers then brings, you know, their five and seven year old grandchildren to the Disney concert the next day.
40:05But also those chances to do things together as a community.
40:09So on Sunday, we're doing the big draw, which will just be an absolutely giant sheet of paper on the floor of the Westgate Hall.
40:18And from 10 o'clock until 3 o'clock, you can just come and add to that drawing.
40:22So absolutely everyone can just be piling in together to do a big drawing inspired by Matisse just on the floor.
40:29And at the end of it, what we'll have is this amazing artwork, which is entirely made by the community.
40:35I would say it's a lovely way of bringing people together.
40:37Anyone can give it a go, which I think is great.
40:40I mean, what have people's favourite parts been and what's been your favourite part?
40:43Oh, that's tricky.
40:48Evelyn Glennie performed on Friday night, our first classical concert, and she was incredible.
40:54In that way, if you know people, if you know her name, she's been a legend for decades.
40:59And I have to say she was bucket list for me in terms of someone that I've always wanted to see.
41:03But I also really loved something we did on Sunday, which was a matinee, which was combining circus with music, all happening on stage at the same time.
41:14And it was a fantastic collision.
41:16And also, like you're saying about different people discovering things, we had everything from a four-year-old to an 80-plus-year-old, all kind of in the same room, having the same experience.
41:27And that's what live events are all about.
41:30You can't, you have to be there.
41:32And you're sharing it with that group of people.
41:35And even if it divides them, and even if they don't all feel the same way about it, you've then got something to go home, have a drink and talk about it because you were there together.
41:45Absolutely.
41:46And that's all we have time for.
41:47But hopefully people go to Canterbury this weekend.
41:57Canterbury this weekend.
42:27Canterbury this weekend.
42:57Canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury, canterbury.
47:15excuse me.
47:21is about the young, marginalised community of Canterbury Cathedral asking God a question.
47:29We held a number of workshops within the Cathedral with marginalised people around the city
47:35who believe in God, but who believe that the Cathedral, they don't feel comfortable coming into the Cathedral,
47:41they don't feel it's a place for them. And this is giving them an opportunity to have their voice
47:47and we ask them, what would you ask God? And these are their questions to God.
47:54The huge inspiration for the exhibition is the presence of historical graffiti itself in the Cathedral,
48:02stemming originally from Mason's Marks, where stone masons hundreds of years ago
48:07wanted to leave their personal Mason's Mark on the fabric to indicate that they were the person who did that work,
48:13that contributed to the building of the Cathedral.
48:16We have modern graffiti represented and we have collections of graffiti going back several centuries.
48:23But combining old and new in such a bold fashion was bound to prove divisive.
48:28Even the US Vice President J.D. Vance has weighed in, saying in a post on X
48:32that the exhibition makes a beautiful historic building really ugly.
48:36And here in Canterbury the reaction has been equally strong.
48:39Honestly I think it's atrocious, looking at ways of bringing religion, history to the public.
48:49There's definitely more subtle ways of doing it.
48:53Like the colours, it blends in with the oldness of the church and yeah, I'm quite impressed with it actually.
48:59I think it's disgraceful really. Very disappointing that something like that is put into a historic building like this.
49:07I think that perhaps it's a way of getting through to younger people who perhaps don't always come into cathedrals and churches.
49:14So yes, I'm very impressed.
49:17For his part, the Dean of Canterbury agrees, saying this exhibition intentionally builds bridges between cultures, styles and genres
49:25and allows us to receive the gifts of younger people who have much to say.
49:29But whether considered works of art or glorified street tags, what is certain is that the Hear Us exhibition
49:35will continue to attract attention and encourage discussion.
49:39Alfie Rowe for KMTV in Canterbury.
49:42Now it's time to take a look at the weather.
49:53Make sure to keep dry this evening as heavy rain sweeps across Kent with temperatures consistent at 12 and 13 degrees.
49:59Moving to tomorrow, Kent is hit by yellow weather warning.
50:01As the night's heavy rain and strong winds persist, temperatures also get slightly colder.
50:06Wind speeds peak as we come into the afternoon, reaching 32 miles per hour from the east and 20 miles per hour from the west,
50:13with the county levelling out.
50:15Thankfully, we can expect no more yellow weather warnings, 12 and 11 degrees for the weekend.
50:20And finally, fireworks have been flying and communities have been coming together for Hindu, Jain and Sikh festivals happening across Kent this week.
50:37Monday was the start of Diwali, the festival of lights where five days of festivities honour the triumph of good over evil.
50:44Yesterday, Sikhs across the world celebrated Bandishaw Divas, which remembers the liberation of the Sikh Guru from prison.
50:53Megan Shaw went to Gravesend Gurdwara to join in on the celebrations.
50:57Warning, this report contains bright flashing lights.
51:00From fireworks to food to faith.
51:05Festivities were in full swing last night at Gravesend Gurdwara, where Sikhs gathered to celebrate Bandishaw Divas, or Prisoner Liberation Day.
51:15The day pays respect to the Sikhs Guru, who was imprisoned before eventually being released alongside 52 Hindu princes.
51:22Its celebration pays respect to the values of justice, freedom and compassion, central to the Sikh faith.
51:30For many Sikhs across Kent, the day is sacred.
51:33Well, I regularly come to Gurdwara and all friends come together to celebrate this festival.
51:41It's very important for us. We are coming from 60 Mile, from Foxton.
51:46I think this is like the central Gurdwara for Kent. It's worth the travelling, and yes, they put on a massive community sort of atmosphere.
51:56Today, Sikhs are here in the Gravesend Gurdwara to celebrate Bandishaw Divas.
52:01As you can see, it's quite busy here, and yeah, it's quite a special occasion for us.
52:06My cousin's sister here, she will be singing Shabbat for the special occasion.
52:12During the day, the temple hosted Kirtan, Sikh hymns and Katha, Sikh scriptures and history, with quiet moments for reflection and prayer throughout the day.
52:37Lit candles are a homage to Sikhs lighting the way for Sikhs to return home.
52:44And then, when the sun had set, a vibrant show of light.
52:50Bandishaw Divas coincides with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, though sometimes Sikhs and Hindus celebrate both.
52:57Community took centre stage yesterday.
53:01Throughout the day, people were coming and going, coming and going, and I think probably in the evening now, for the fireworks, we had around 5,000 people.
53:09We tried to make it a place where everybody is welcome, so people come, and not just for prayer, but we have other activities.
53:16So it's become a hub for the community at large. And today, you will have seen, not just Sikhs, but people from all faiths actually joining in the celebrations.
53:24As the autumn gloom sets in, events like Bandishaw Divas continue to be a light against the darkness.
53:31Megan Shaw for Kame TV in Gravesend.
53:35And Megan joins us in the studio to tell us more about it.
53:39So, the godwara in Gravesend looks huge. It's quite a significant landmark in Kent, isn't it?
53:44It is, yeah. It's the largest godwara in Europe, and also the largest outside of India.
53:48As you saw in some of the shots in the report, it is really big.
53:51So there's a community kitchen in there, a lecture theatre, a library, and Gravesend itself has a really large Sikh community,
53:58with around 15% of the population being part of that since it welcomed its first Sikhs in around the 1950s and 60s.
54:05So it's definitely a place with a lot of, kind of, cultural history there.
54:09Yeah, and what other Bandishaw Divas events were happening across the county this week?
54:14Well, Gravesend was definitely the centre point of Bandishaw Divas.
54:17As we heard before, that some people have made round trips of over 100 miles to celebrate there, which is astonishing.
54:25There are a few other godwaras and Sikh temples in Medway, where they held their own celebrations,
54:30but I'd definitely say that Gravesend is a really important space in the Sikh community.
54:35Yes, and Diwali is also happening this week, isn't it?
54:38Yeah, I touched a bit on that report.
54:40But Diwali is a five-day celebration, celebrated by Hindus, but also some Sikhs and Jains, as you said.
54:46And it's India's biggest and most important holiday of the year.
54:50As it's five days, kind of each day celebrated differently.
54:54So day one's for spring cleaning, day two for lighting up the house,
54:57and day three, which kind of coincided with Bandishaw Divas, was the day of feasts and fireworks.
55:03And day four is the first day of the new year.
55:06So there are a few Hindu temples or mandiyas across Kent in Medway or Ramsgate,
55:11and they've all been celebrating that this week, too.
55:14Yes, and you went to the celebrations last night that we saw in the report.
55:18It was the evening.
55:19So tell us a little bit about the atmosphere.
55:21It looks really just community-based and friendly and happy.
55:26Absolutely. Yeah, it was so busy, I think.
55:28As I said before, there was around 5,000 people there for the firework display.
55:33Everyone was so excited to be there, and everyone was also really keen to speak.
55:37Sometimes people might be a bit shy to speak on camera,
55:40but a lot of people were so kind of happy to share why that day is important to them.
55:45As you saw, there was a young girl singing.
55:47And I was there quite late at night, around 10pm,
55:50and people were still queuing and eating in the community kitchen.
55:53And while it was lively, there were also more quieter spaces for reflection or prayer.
55:58Yeah, I mean, when I was at home yesterday, I heard all the fireworks and saw them.
56:02It was great.
56:03I got to see them all outside of my window.
56:05I mean, can you tell us maybe about what the people said to you
56:09and the different ways they were celebrating and how they felt?
56:12A lot of people really kind of prioritised that community aspect,
56:15like an excuse or like a chance to be able to spend time with family
56:19that they might not have seen.
56:21A lot of people were just happy to kind of socialise with other Sikhs in the area.
56:26A lot of children were there too.
56:28It was really quite a family event.
56:30It was happening all day.
56:31There was kind of free food available
56:33and the firework display was definitely a highlight for a lot of people.
56:36Lots of people stood outside watching the display.
56:39It went on for a long time, 13, 14 minutes.
56:41I should say it's quite long for a firework display.
56:43Well, that's it for us.
56:45Goodbye.
56:56Oh, my God.
56:57My God.
56:59He is so семьy and I am the one I have to see.
57:01My God is right.
57:02I am the one I am the one I am the one I am the one I am
57:03the one I am the one I am the one I am the one I am.
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