The Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, will take place at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday 25 March 2026, the Feast of the Annunciation. Find out more
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The Friends are the Cathedral's fan club, a group of like-minded people who admire the building, its history and the community which surrounds it.
We work together to preserve it, and, with the great generosity of our membership, contribute financially to many vital projects.
Why join?
Over the years The Friends have given the equivalent of more than £18 million towards various projects to enhance and preserve Canterbury Cathedral. Becoming a Friend is not only about restoring a beautiful old building; it’s about being a part of a community and forming lasting relationships, one which enjoys many activities and ‘behind the scenes’ events.
Membership Benefits
- Free entry to the Cathedral and its Precincts
- Full annual programme of Friends' events
- New member celebration (which includes a private guided tour)
- 10% discount at the Cathedral Shop and Cathedral Lodge (some exclusions apply)
- Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer
- Monthly Friendly Friday e-newsletters
- Annual Cathedral magazine - view a sample of The Chronicle
- Twice-yearly paper mailings
- Membership badge
- Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer
For more information download The Friends leaflet.
Membership Options
Gift a Friends' Membership
Membership of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral – the Cathedral’s fan club – is the gift that lasts all year.
We work together to preserve the Cathedral, and, with the great generosity of our membership, contribute financially to many vital projects.
Becoming a Friend is not only about restoring a beautiful old building; it’s about being a part of a community and forming lasting relationships.
So, when you gift a membership, you also give the gift of being part of our FRIENDly community!
Friends also benefit from free entry to the Cathedral and its Precincts, access to exclusive trips and events, e-newsletters, a 10% discount in the Cathedral Shop and Cathedral Lodge (some exclusions apply), an annual Friends’ Day, Friends’ Carol Service, and a special welcome event in the summer.
Membership starts at just £35 and includes a welcome pack with a Friends’ card and badge.
The Friends can even dispatch the gift on your behalf!
Friends' Day 2025
Thank you to everyone who attended this year's Friends’ Day and helped to make it such a success.
If you are a Friend who was unable to be with us this year, or are someone interested in the work of our Cathedral’s fan club, please find the links below to watch our Annual General Meeting recording and access our Annual Report and Financial Statements (31 March 2025).
History of The Friends
The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 1927 by the then Dean of Canterbury, George Bell. The organization was the first of its kind in the world.
In 1928 Miss Margaret Babington joined Dean Bell as Steward. A redoubtable woman of enormous energy and tremendous vision, she made a huge contribution to the success of the Friends. She staged plays and concerts and enticed illustrious people such as John Masefield, Sir Adrian Boult, Gustav Holst, Dorothy L. Sayers and Dame Myra Hess to the Cathedral. Rudyard Kipling and George Bernard Shaw became enthusiastic members.
Margaret Babington, the energy behind the Friends when it started, handed over her baton to many other stewards and executive secretaries, all of whom have put their own stamp on the efforts of the Friends, and made it the successful charity and membership organisation it is today.
Over the years The Friends have given the equivalent of more than £15 million towards various projects to enhance and preserve Canterbury Cathedral.
Our President is The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. Prior to her death, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was our First Friend on the Roll, and the former Prince of Wales was our Patron.
Upcoming Friends events
MONTHLY
FRIENDly Singing for Wellbeing
St Paul’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 1NH
ALL welcome – rusty singers included!
Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit, followed by sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.
Please join us between 14:00-15:00 on the following Mondays:
- 10 November 2025
- 8 December 2025
- 12 January 2026
- 9 February 2026
Plus more dates scheduled in 2026
Free to attend but donations welcomed.
All welcome. No need to book.
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).
Friends' Day
This event took place on Friday 4 July 2025
Thank you to everyone who attended this year's Friends’ Day and helped to make it such a success.
If you are a Friend who was unable to be with us this year, or are someone interested in the work of our Cathedral’s fan club, you can watch our Annual General Meeting recording and access our Annual Report and Financial Statements (31 March 2025).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Becket – the Murder and What Happened Next?
Tuesday 18 November, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Almost every visitor to Canterbury has been told a version of Becket’s murder – even if it is only the nursery rhyme, Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.
In the second of her talks, Cathedral Guide Maggie Price will explain what the effects of the aftershock of Becket’s demise meant for the church – in Rome as well as England – and also the citizens and Crown. Both immediately and for years after.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
ABCDE – Project 106
Monday 24 November, 11:30-12:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Since 597AD, there have been 105 Archbishops of Canterbury (ABCs) – the first being Saint Augustine.
The Church of England is currently involved in Project 106: the search for the next ABC. But who decides who will become the ArchBishop of Canterbury Designate/Elect?
In this exclusive talk, the Archdeacon of Canterbury, Will Adam, and Dean David will explain the processes that the Church of England and the Office of Crown Appointments have followed throughout 2025, and more.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
EXCLUSIVE ONSITE PARTNERSHIP CLASS
RSN Day Class: Canterbury Robin inspired by the James I Charter
Saturday 29 November, 10:00-16:00 in the Community Studio
Embroider a beautiful festive robin motif, with Royal School of Needlework tutor, Kathryn Sanders - a new and exclusive design and class, inspired by the original James I Charter issued in 1608.
There will also be an opportunity to visit the Cathedral Archives to enjoy a brief curated viewing of the original Charter; an exquisite illuminated document of historic significance.
This exclusive partnership class is part of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral’s unique association with the Royal School of Needlework, dating back to the 1930s.
- SOLD OUT -
Wait list only - Register on the RSN event page
The class cost is £175 per student and includes all materials and necessary equipment to complete the project.
A FRIENDLY TALK
Angels and Demons in Art
Tuesday 2 December, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Brenda Tate-Lovery, a former Open University lecturer, will explore interpretations of Angels and Demons, depicted in art since the earliest times; looking at how different generations of artists have interpreted them, from 5th Century to modern day, in the context of belief and practice.
In the vivid imaginations of artists, we will explore how these spiritual beings have become actors in storytelling, stimulating emotional reactions, from fear to humour.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
Friends’ Carol Service †
Monday 15 December, 19:00-20:00 in the Nave
A fundraising event organised by, and in support of, The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral
Hear the Cathedral bells ring out to greet you as you arrive at our FRIENDly traditional service, with readings and music by our Cathedral girl choristers.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
† Live streamed on our YouTube Channel.
A FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS EVENT
Friends’ Christmas Dinner
Monday 15 December, 20:00 in the Claggett Auditorium
All Friends and their guests are invited to assemble in the Nave at 19:00 for our Friends' Carol Service, where we will enjoy Carols and Readings and the wonderful singing of our Cathedral musicians.
Afterwards, many of you may wish to join us for a delicious two-course Christmas Dinner (wine included), complete with a festive, Friendly singalong!
If you wish to stay in the Lodge to extend your festive experience, please contact them directly (see details via the link below).
- BOOK NOW -
Carol Service FREE; Dinner £37.50 for Friends, £42.50 for Friends’ guests
+ Raffle Tickets £5 per book
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
The Bayeux Tapestry
Tuesday 20 January 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
As we eagerly await the temporary return of this 11th Century Romanesque masterpiece to the British Museum in London, Patricia Erskine-Hill will speak to Friends about this immensely detailed embroidery that was probably commissioned by Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror’s half-brother, to embellish his newly-built cathedral in Bayeux in 1077.
Over 58 scenes, which include 626 characters and 202 horses, the story shown in the textile begins in 1064 and ends with the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
- BOOKING OPENS SOON -
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
Image: Bayeux tapestry design product © Cathedral Gifts Enterprises
A FRIENDLY TALK
The Friends' Coffee Concert
Tuesday 3 February 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Your chance to be entertained by the Cathedral’s Choral Scholars whilst enjoying coffee and pastries.
This informal concert will showcase the progress and repertoire of the Scholars who joined the Cathedral in September 2025.
Expect a warm welcome and a mixed musical medley on a chilly Tuesday morning!
Tickets: £10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Life in a Changing City – Canterbury 1825-1910
Tuesday 10 February 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Popular speaker Doreen Rosman will continue her series of talks about the history of Canterbury.
A boy born in 1825, who survived into the 20th Century, would have lived through a time of major technological change: the coming of railways, gas and electric lighting, telephones and cinemas, bicycles, cars, and even an aeroplane.
This talk explores how these developments would have impacted on his life, and how the city changed before his eyes. Doreen Rosman taught history at the University of Kent. Her publications include, Canterbury: A History since 1500, the story of a city and its people.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY RECITAL
Winter’s Journey
Tuesday 24 February 2026, 14:00-15:00 in the Eastern Crypt
We are delighted to welcome the return of the Rev’d Dr Jonathan Arnold, Executive Director of the Social Justice Network and Lay Clerk, and Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, who will perform Schubert’s song cycle, Winter’s Journey.
The lyrics tell the rather sad story of a man unhappy in love who leaves his lover to wander in the ice and snow and reflect upon his human condition.
The songs, which will be in the original German, will be interspersed with readings of their English translations by our Canon Missioner, the Rev’d Dr Emma Pennington.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
A Turn to Nature – the Natural World of Growing Things in the Architecture and Artefacts of Canterbury Cathedral
Tuesday 10 March 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
We are delighted to welcome back Canon Christopher Irvine, former Canon Librarian at Canterbury and now Honorary Teaching Fellow at St Augustine's College of Theology, to speak to us.
In this illustrated talk, Canon Irvine will lead us on a visual journey of discovery and show us how and why the world of nature is brought into our Cathedral through stone carving, wooden sculpture, and, surprisingly, even stained glass!
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Catherine the Great
Friday 20 March 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
In this talk given by Patricia Erskine-Hill, attendees will find out more about this extraordinary woman who asserted her power over Russia.
Catherine II, best known as Catherine the Great, was the Empress of Russia from 1762-1796. Born Princess Sophia Augusta Frederica of Anhalt-Zerbst (Prussia), she came to power after over-throwing her husband Peter III.
Catherine influenced the arts, established the first state-funded higher education institute for women in Europe, built new cities and towns, and brought recognition to Russia as one of the great powers of Europe.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Rome-ing Again
Tuesday 28 April 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Join John Williams as he once more wanders along the highways and lesser-known byways of early Christian Rome, delving into its outstanding archaeology and art history.
Peeling away the rich layers of meaning of structures, mosaics, frescoes, and everyday objects, he will reflect on the interplay between the Rome of Emperors and the evolving religion of Christianity.
A Trustee of The Friends for eight years to September 2025, Dr Williams was for a long time County Archaeologist and Head of Heritage Conservation at Kent County Council.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY CONCERT
The Central Band of the Royal British Legion
Saturday 30 May 2026, 18:00-19:00 in the Nave
Join us in The Nave of Canterbury Cathedral as we welcome the return of The Central Band of The Royal British Legion for a sensational and heart-stirring concert featuring songs from the shows and military music.
Tickets: Children (up to 12) £10, Adults £25
- BOOKING OPENS SOON -
Tickets will available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website or via the Canterbury Festival Box Office.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Living Through Two World Wars - Canterbury 1914-1951
Tuesday 16 June 2026, 14:30-15:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Doreen Rosman returns for a final talk in her series about the history of Canterbury, focusing on one person's experience to evoke what it would have been like to live through this period of tumultuous change.
Doreen Rosman taught history at the University of Kent. Her publications include, Canterbury: A History since 1500, the story of a city and its people.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
Giving to The Friends
Please consider making a donation to The Friends to ensure we can continue our work in preserving the Cathedral for generations to come.
- Donate to The Friends online
- Call +44 (0)1227 865292 to donate over the telephone by credit or debit card.
- Send a gift by post to: The Friends’ Office, Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH. Please make cheques payable to ‘The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral’.
Why not give a gift in memory of someone special?
Please let us have the person’s name when you send us your donation and we will record this gift in our annual publication, The Chronicle.
Leave a gift in your will
You can make a real difference to our work and provide valuable support for future generations to come by leaving a gift to The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral in your will. Nearly all legacies to charities are free from inheritance tax.
A possible form of words for such bequests is:
I bequeath to The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2EH, registered charity number 1210093, the sum of … (for a specific sum) or the residue (or a … share of the residue) of my estate.
Renew your membership
Join FOCCUS
Become an American Friend
The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral in the United States (FOCCUS) offers Americans the opportunity to play a meaningful role in supporting the life of the Cathedral in all its many programs.
If you live in the United States or are an American citizen, we invite you to deepen your connection with the Cathedral by joining FOCCUS and the worldwide Cathedral family, a global network of Friends and donors who are dedicated to supporting this incredible place.
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