Island festival rebuts 'cultural desert' claim

A month-long arts festival featuring nearly 100 events is to launch on the Isle of Sheppey with organisers vowing to challenge claims the area is a "cultural desert".

The Festival of Sheppey, beginning on Monday, has been organised largely by Jenny Hurkett, who said she was "gobsmacked" by the description and wanted to showcase the Kent island's heritage.

Events including performances, exhibitions, walks and workshops will take place across the island, with a civic launch planned at the Belle and Lion in Sheerness and a special rail shuttle service running for the opening day.

Hurkett, 77, said the programme aimed to demonstrate that Sheppey "has so much to offer".

She said the idea quickly gained traction after she appealed for support, with individuals and community groups volunteering to host events across June.

She said: "I was gobsmacked when I was told the Island was a cultural desert."

The festival line-up includes a one-man performance of Great Expectations by Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, as well as talks, film screenings and a classical music concert.

Organisers have also highlighted historical connections to the island, including its links to early aviation, Samuel Pepys and Lord Nelson.

The programme will coincide with other community events such as the Queenborough Independence Day celebrations and a classic car show.

Transport operator Southeastern plans to run a "Sheppey Shuttle" between Sittingbourne and Sheerness on the opening day to support visitors attending the launch.

The island's newly appointed town crier, Bruce Horton, will greet guests, having been selected for the ceremonial role following a public competition.

He said he felt "very humbled" to represent the island and hoped to highlight its "positives" despite what he described as mixed perceptions of the area.

The festival has been developed by members of the Island Forum, a non-political group aiming to promote Sheppey and encourage investment.

Organisers said they hoped the Festival of Sheppey would become an annual event and help boost pride, tourism and cultural visibility on the island.

Arts Council England has been approached for comment.

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