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...

Diaries of the Here and Now Exhibition

This display features examples of the diaries which were completed by individuals on 11 November 2018, as part of project co-ordinated by artist Dawn Cole to commemorate the end of World War I. Viewable during cathedral opening hours. Normal precincts charges apply. Subject to access restrictions because of closures. read more...

Song for Dr Kana

Join us for an evening of music in memory of Dr David Lakshman Kanagasooriam. Recitalist Dr Angeline Kanagasooriam, David’s wife, will perform, accompanied by pianist Stephen Matthews and the Medics and Scientists Music Ensemble. read more...

Canterbury Cathedral Girls’ Choir Winter Concert

Susan Gilmour Bailey (soprano) Nicholas Todd (tenor) Simon Thorpe (bass) David Newsholme (conductor) The Girls and Men of Canterbury Cathedral Choir will join with acclaimed period instrument orchestra The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen and internationally-renowned soloists to perform Haydn’s The Creation. The concert will take place in the awe-inspiring surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral’s Gothic nave. read more...

Scribes and Calligraphy: A Day At Canterbury Cathedral

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. This will be followed by a special display of items from the collections. read more...

The Chapter House Light Show

To celebrate the Art of the Lost conference, Howard Griffin’s digital artwork, Liminality, will invite viewers to navigate the physical space in order to fully appreciate the virtual. Situated in the Chapter House, the work will use projected imagery and atmospheric soundscapes to reveal the hidden depths behind the stone walls. read more...

Fellow Captives in Conversation

Join Terry Waite CBE and Erwin James at Canterbury Cathedral as they share their experiences of captivity. In what promises to be a unique conversation, Terry Waite CBE and Erwin James, Editor in Chief of Inside Time, will compare their experiences of living in captivity and also discuss prison reform and homelessness. read more...

Art of the Lost: Conference 2019

Canterbury Cathedral is proud to present its second Conservation and Collections Conference – Art of the Lost: Discussing the future of the past, from 27 to 29 November 2019. This conference will explore and appraise current and developing studies of how art changes, is reused or repurposed, disappears or is rediscovered. read more...

Advent Wreath Workshop

Come and make your family’s Advent Wreath with The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral.  All materials for making your wreath will be provided, including greenery from the Cathedral gardens. Activities are free, normal precinct charges apply. Children must be accompanied at all times. read more...

Advent Carol Service

Celebrate the start of the Advent season with the Cathedral’s Advent Carol Service. The service at the beginning of the season of Advent sees the first candle on the Advent Wreath reflecting that we are moving from darkness to light and gathering in expectation of Christ’s coming. All are welcome to attend. read more...

St Nicholas Family Service

All are welcome to come along to this short family service which will be attended by St Nicholas. read more...

Cathedral Carol Service

The popular Cathedral Carol Service includes a reading of seven lessons with seasonal music performed by the Cathedral Choir. This the first of two identical services. Both are un-ticketed and seated on a first come first seated basis. Doors open at 18.00. All are welcome. read more...

Family Crib Service

The Cathedral’s Crib service is held every year and is enjoyed by young and old. read more...

Cathedral Carol Service

The popular Cathedral Carol Service includes a reading of seven lessons with seasonal music performed by the Cathedral Choir. This the second of two identical services. Both are un-ticketed and seated on a first come first seated basis. Doors open at 13.30. All are welcome. read more...

Christingle Service

All are welcome to attend the Cathedral’s annual Christingle Service which takes place every December. read more...

Martyrdom of Thomas of Canterbury

Special services to mark the Martyrdom of Thomas Becket will be held on 29 December. read more...

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Dance

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge present a spectacular party to seeing in the New Year in Canterbury. Enjoy Prosecco and canapés on arrival, a 5-course gala dinner, DJ and dancing with live band ‘The Soul Monkeys’, followed by a glass of Prosecco and a Scottish Piper at midnight. The event is strictly black tie. read more...

Medieval History Weekend

A joint venture between Canterbury Christ Church University and Canterbury Cathedral, the city’s hugely popular biennial Medieval History Weekend returns next year for Becket2020. It will coincide with 850th anniversary of St Thomas Becket’s martyrdom in 1170, and the 800th of the relocation of his shrine in 1220. 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...