Evening closure of Precincts, Tues 26 – Sat 30 September
Due to the Luxmuralis light show and the need to manage large queues, public entry to the Precincts after 17:30 will only be possible for Luxmuralis ticket holders or those attending Choral Evensong.
Planning your visit? Remember to check our upcoming closures.
The Cathedral’s Music Department organises a range of concerts and recitals, including an annual Summer Organ Festival.
Our regular concerts
FREE Informal Recitals
Regular free concerts are given during term time on Fridays between 18:15-19.00, either in the intimate and atmospheric surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral’s Eastern Crypt, or in the magnificent and lofty Quire.
Concerts are frequently performed by the Cathedral’s resident musicians. Guest soloists and ensembles, both local to Canterbury and from further afield, are frequently welcomed too.
For information about forthcoming FREE Informal Concerts, please see the Cathedral’s Events Calendar.
The FREE Informal Recital series is organised by the Cathedral’s Assistant Director of Music, Jamie Rogers. He is always happy to hear from anyone interested in performing at the Cathedral in future.
Summer Organ Festival
In Summer 2023, the Cathedral welcomed three first-rate organists from St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Westminster Cathedral. Together with Canterbury Cathedral’s own Assistant Director of Music Jamie Rogers, William Fox, Peter Holder, and Peter Stevens gave concerts on the Cathedral’s magnificent Father Willis/Harrison & Harrison organ in May and June.
Additionally, as part of the Festival, there was a Free Open Evening, at which anyone interested in learning more about the Cathedral’s organ, and who wanted the opportunity to play it themselves, were warmly invited to attend.
Further details about the 2024 Summer Organ Festival will be posted here in due course.
Highlighted Music events
Fri 10 November, 19:30
War Horse Concert
In this very special concert, Michael Morpurgo retells an abridged version of War Horse accompanied by Ben Murray with music and songs from the National Theatre production (which Ben also starred in as the Songman).
Tickets £22, Children £12 (Including £2 booking fee per ticket)
Sat 2 December, 19:30
Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
The girl choristers and Lay Clerks of Canterbury Cathedral will be joined by period instrument ensemble, The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen, and a stellar line up of critically-acclaimed soloists, for a candlelit performance of Handel’s Messiah.
Directed by David Newsholme, in the beautiful surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral Quire, this concert will be an intimate presentation of some of Handel’s most enduring music.
Price: £20 per ticket, plus £2 booking fee
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