Get ready for an unforgettable week as Ideas Test takes over Rochester Cathedral from 3–8 August 2026. Seven incredible artists, six days of music, dance, art and creativity, and plenty of opportunities to join in. Best of all, it’s completely family-friendly and free to enjoy.
Throughout the week, experience More Than Human, an immersive digital installation that surrounds you with dance, light and sound. Take a seat, find a comfortable spot, or simply wander through as moving images, colour and music transform the cathedral space around you. For those who are able, the experience can be enhanced by lying on the floor and looking up into the installation.
Music lovers can learn to create beats and sounds using only their voice in The Beatbox Experience with world champion beatboxer Ruper Oldridge (The Bass6). Watch musician Tim Hurst build huge party tracks live using a loop machine and trombone in Suboptimal. Or jump into The Cypher with Lindon Barr, a high-energy hip-hop celebration guaranteed to get the whole family moving.
Looking for something more relaxing, try Drawing Breath with David Willis, a fun workshop where you use gentle movement and big paint strokes to create art. You can also listen to SPIRITUS by Dan Samsa, a unique sound show that mixes the grand cathedral organ with moving spoken word and songs.
Take a breath. Feel your breath. And enjoy.
Find out more about each day