As well as establishing a number of sporting clubs, Canterbury residents gave strong support for ‘civic improvement’. Many societies formed to promote cultural activities. The Canterbury and Balwyn Literary Institute and the Canterbury and Balwyn Free Library were active from the 1890s. The Canterbury and Balwyn Choral Society was performing in 1913 and from about 1909, the Canterbury Citizens Concert Committee was arranging weekly music and outdoor films in the Canterbury Gardens from December to April, attended by up to 300. The Canterbury Empire Day committee also organized elaborate patriotic celebrations for the whole community to participate in. For a time, there was even a Canterbury Orchestra.