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Silent Disco Returns to Canterbury Cathedral
Music lovers will have the chance to dance to hits by Kylie, Madonna, Prince and other artists of the 1980s, as the Silent Disco returns to the magnificent Nave of Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 August 2024.
There will be two events each evening – 18:30-21:00 and 21:30-00:00 – and the Cathedral is hoping that this 80s-themed silent disco will repeat the success of February’s 90s-inspired event, which saw hundreds of visitors joyously share a unique night out in support of a truly special location.
The Dean of Canterbury, David Monteith, said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome back Silent Discos in Incredible Places. Our February event was hugely popular, and the overwhelming response we received was positive - one attendee wrote of the “wonderful experience of life and connection with others in the amazing cathedral space” and that to them “it had felt like God was in the midst”.
‘Whilst the Silent Disco will generate much-needed income towards the Cathedral’s near £30,000 per day running costs, it is – as with the rest of our events programme – also missional, helping us to engage with our wider communities, many of whom will never have set foot in a place of worship before, and to demonstrate that regardless of background or belief, they will find a warm welcome and a special experience here.’
Throughout the centuries, the Cathedral Nave – the part of the church set apart for the laity - has hosted all manner of communal and secular events, including fairs, festivals and dancing, and the Cathedral is excited to continue and evolve this tradition with events such as the Silent Disco and the upcoming Crown and Coronation immersive light show (24-28 September 2024).
August’s Silent Disco evenings will see hundreds of like-minded 80s fans singing their hearts out whilst wearing state-of-the-art LED headphones which allow them to select between three different channels of music. The Cathedral Nave will be spectacularly illuminated, and there will be a limited bar offering including cocktails, mini bottles of prosecco, canned drinks, and water.
‘Obviously, as was demonstrated by the media interest in our February event, and the 15 or so protestors who gathered outside on the first night, not everyone feels that a Silent Disco is appropriate’ said Dean David. ‘However, cathedrals have always been part of community life in a way much wider than their prime focus as centres of Christian worship and mission, and what we are doing is a continuation of this history.’
Tickets for the 80s Silent Disco are £25.95 (plus booking fee) for General Admission, and £32.95 (plus booking fee) for VIP entry. Tickets can be booked online.
Entry is via pre-purchased ticket only.
Notes for Editors
The Silent Disco is operated by Silent Discos in Incredible Places.
A limited bar offering will be available, including cocktails, mini bottles of prosecco, canned drinks, and water.
Entry is via pre-purchased ticket only.
Tickets for the Friday night sessions of the February 2024 Silent Disco sold out within an hour of being released.
The February Silent Disco generated approx. £20,000 of income for the Cathedral.
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