Public Events at Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury War Horse

Over eight-million horses died during the First World War, of which many travelled through Kent on their way to the continent. read more...

Graffiti in the Cathedral

Throughout the year our Volunteer Graffiti Researchers can be found in the Cathedral investigating and recording its historic graffiti. Volunteers are very happy to share what they have discovered so please do stop and talk to them to find out more about the fascinating marks made on this ancient monument. read more...

Daily Mini Talks

Daily mini talks, providing an insight into the Cathedral’s rich history read more...

Copes for Canterbury Seminar

A unique chance to get up close (and personal!) with some of the Cathedral’s medieval and modern vestments and textiles. read more...

Holocaust Memorial Day

On Holocaust Memorial Day 2020, the Cathedral will hold  a series of events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. This year the HMD theme is “Standing Together” so we hope to welcome people from a range of different communities to the Cathedral to mark this important event. read more...

Joint Evensong with Rochester Cathedral

On 1 February the Girls of Canterbury Cathedral Choir will be joined by the Girls and Men of Rochester Cathedral Choir to sing at Evensong. All are welcome to join this special service. read more...

Lunchtime Entertainment

The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral invite you to be entertained by the musicians and drama students of Canterbury Christ Church University, the daughter institution of the Cathedral. With a distinguished tradition of musical study, composition, and performance, the university boasts ensembles of all musical styles. read more...

Elizabeth Barton: Maid of Kent Talk

Born in 1506 in Aldington, Elizabeth Barton appears to have come from a poor background and was working for a farmer in her parish when she first claimed to have received divine revelations. Her visions led to her being known as the Nun of Kent and the Maid of London. read more...

Valentine’s Day Dinner

You and your loved one can celebrate in one of the most romantic locations in Canterbury. On Friday 14th February, we invite you to enjoy a superb 4-course à la carte Valentine’s dinner with entertainment in the delightful Refectory Restaurant. See The Canterbury Cathedral Lodge website for more details. read more...

Portfolio: Art Rebels

Turner Contemporary’s Art Rebels exhibition is coming to Canterbury as part of the Portfolio competition’s inaugural tour. Featuring winning entries from students, teachers and community groups across Kent and Medway, the tour will further celebrate the creative talent of young people by bringing their work to a wider audience. read more...

Scribes and Calligraphy

Enjoy a fascinating talk by Dr Alison Ray, Assistant Archivist, on the finely decorated (‘illuminated’) manuscripts in the Cathedral’s collections and on manuscript production by the monks here in the Middle Ages, which will be followed by a special display of items from the collections. read more...

Gargoyle Week

This year for Gargoyle Week, we will be exploring medieval tiles with the Canterbury Archaeological Trust and giving you the chance to create your own Gregory Gargoyle tile to take home with you. Activities are free, normal precinct charges apply. Children must be accompanied at all times. read more...

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent and is a time of preparation and penitence. read more...

The Art of English Song

The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral will host this very special recital, in which, The Reverend Dr Jonathan Arnold will present the art of traditional English song  accompanied by one of the Cathedral’s organists, and professional church musician, Jamie Rogers. Dr Jonathan Arnold attended Hereford Cathedral School before reading Theology at St Peter’s College, Oxford. read more...

Lent Quiet Day

A day of prayer and reflection for Lent with The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury. read more...

Lent Lunches

A delicious soup lunch will be served every Monday throughout Lent to collect donations to charity at The Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. All proceeds will be donated to Canterbury Food Bank and St Georges’ Ramsgate Food Project. read more...

Encountering the Passion: Lent Study Group

A weekly group will meet for study and prayer during Lent, titled: Encountering the Passion. read more...

Fairtrade Charity Coffee Morning

For Fairtrade Fortnight we will be holding a special coffee morning at No 15 The Precincts with all the coffee, tea and cakes made from Fairtrade products. There will also be a Fairtrade stall so you can buy your favourite items. The event is free and any donations will go to cover costs. read more...

Stained Glass Studio Tour

Canterbury Cathedral houses one of the country’s most important collections of early medieval stained glass. The Cathedral’s Stained Glass Studio employs a team of expert conservators to restore this historic body of material, as well as to create new glazing as required. read more...

Fauré Requiem

Canterbury Choral Society return to Canterbury Cathedral with the internationally-renowned English Chamber Orchestra (ECO) – the world’s most recorded orchestra, for this concert of much-loved works. read more...

Mothering Sunday Lunch

Every Mum deserves this Sunday off to relax! With Chef’s delicious 3-course lunch and the opportunity to take a stroll in the Cathedral grounds, Mum will be truly spoilt. We are offering lunch at the following times: First Sitting: 12:30, 13:00 or 13:30 or Second Sitting: 15:30. 16:00 and 16:30. read more...

Mothering Sunday Eucharist

Bring the whole family along to this special Eucharist to celebrate Mothering Sunday. read more...

‘Bede and Canterbury’ Becket 2020 Lecture

Annual Thomas Becket Lecture organised by Canterbury Christ Church University in collaboration with Canterbury Cathedral. The lecture will be given by Rowan Williams, the Right Revd Lord Williams of Oystermouth and 104th Archbishop of Canterbury. read more...

University of Kent Choral Concert

Two monumental French masterpieces – Duruflé Requiem and Saint-Saëns Symphony No 3 in C minor – will fill the spectacular Cathedral Nave in this performance by the University of Kent Chorus and Symphony Orchestra. read more...

Medieval History Weekend

In 2020, Canterbury Christ Church University is presenting the city’s hugely popular biennial Medieval History Weekend, supported by the Cathedral and by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust. read more...

Thomas Becket – World Celebrity Healer

 Focusing on mental and physical health and wellbeing, The Beaney will present a major community creative project in the context of Becket’s story and Canterbury pilgrimage. Miracles after Becket’s murder, recorded in stained glass, led to Europe-wide spread of relics and images, making Becket an acclaimed celebrity. read more...

Medieval Pageant

Canterbury’s fifth annual Medieval Pageant and Trail will take place on Saturday 4th July 2020 and is bound to be a highlight of this summer’s event calendar! Commemorating Henry ll’s pilgrimage to Canterbury and astonishing public apology in 1174, this colourful parade features historical characters, local schools and community re-enactment groups, giants, music and medieval mayhem for read more...

Becket2020 Conference

Canterbury Cathedral is proud to present its third Conservation and Collections Conference, ‘Thomas Becket: Life, Death and Legacy’ – 11th-13th November 2020. This conference will be attended by world renowned experts who have undertaken research into Thomas Becket, his life, death, and beyond. read more...

Becket2020 Choral Evensong

A special evensong service commemorating the Martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket on this day in 1170, with procession to the Martyrdom and Crypt. read more...