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...

Becket Pilgrim Badge Display

For over 300 years, Londoners flocked to Becket’s shrine in Canterbury often returning with a pewter badge as a keepsake.Hundreds of these pilgrim souvenirs have been recovered from London excavations and mudlarking activity along the Thames. The Museum of London holds the largest collection of pilgrim badges in the country. read more...

Daily Mini Talks

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

Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage - Cancelled

This event has been cancelled. read more...

2020 Organ Recitals: David Flood - Cancelled

This event has been cancelled. read more...

Becket Holy Relic Display

A vestment traditionally thought to have been worn by Saint Thomas Becket at the time of his brutal murder in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 is to return to the UK in July as part of this year’s commemorations to mark 850 years since his death, and 800 years since his remains were moved from the read more...

Medieval Pageant

Canterbury’s fifth annual Medieval Pageant and Trail will commemorate Henry II’s pilgrimage to Canterbury in 1174. This colourful parade features historical characters, local schools and community and re-enactment groups, giants, music and medieval mayhem for all ages (even middle-ages!). read more...

Blessing of Becket Copes at Choral Evensong

During Choral Evensong the new Becket Vestments, made from material recreated from the medieval silk found in Archbishop Hubert Walter’s tomb, will be blessed. The new copes will be worn by Cathedral clergy for the first time at the Becket2020 services, and used for many years to come. read more...

Becket2020 Anniversary Service

Throughout 2020, the Cathedral will be hosting a range of special services to give thanks for the life and witness of St Thomas Becket.This large ecumenical service will bethe major celebration of the Becket2020 anniversary. Entrance is by ticket only, further details will be given nearer the time. read more...

Festal Evensong and Procession to the site of St Thomas’ Shrine

The 7 July marks the 800th anniversary of the Feast of the Translation of St Thomas of Canterbury. To mark this special date, Evensong will be sung jointly by the choirs of Canterbury Cathedral and Portsmouth Cathedral (which is dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury). read more...

Night of the Cathedral

Experience the wonder of England’s most beautiful buildings in a new way! This year, for the first time, every Church of England cathedral will open its doors for at least one very special evening when everyone is invited to discover these astonishing buildings for free. read more...

St Thomas Becket in the Canterbury Cathedral’s Collections: Tour, Talk, and Tea

In the year of the 850th Anniversary of the martyrdom of St Thomas Becket and the 800th Anniversary of Becket’s shrine we take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Cathedral Archives and Library. read more...

St Thomas Becket in the Canterbury Cathedral’s Collections: Tour, Talk, and Tea

In the year of the 850th Anniversary of the martyrdom of St Thomas Becket and the 800th Anniversary of Becket’s shrine we take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Cathedral Archives and Library. read more...

Kentish Saints and Martyrs: Exhibition and Talks

A three week exhibition and series of talks held in various locations across the city, in partnership with Canterbury Archaeological Trust, The Kent Archaeological Society and other local partners. read more...

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. read more...

Thomas Becket Exhibition

Marking the 850th anniversary of this dramatic crime, The British Museum‘s major exhibition will present Becket’s tumultuous journey from a London merchant’s son to Archbishop, and from a revered saint in death to a ‘traitor’ in the eyes of Henry VIII, over 350 years later. read more...

Murder in the Cathedral - Cancelled

This event has been postponed to a later date. Details will be updated once finalised. read more...

The Big Draw and Children’s Pilgrimage Activities

Canterbury Cathedral’s half-term activities will centre around St Thomas Becket for The Big Draw 2020. More details will be announced later in the year. 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...

Thomas Becket: Life, Death and Legacy Conference

This conference will be attended by renowned national and international experts who have undertaken research into Thomas Becket, his life, death and beyond. The programme will include presentations across the 3 days, exclusive tours of the Cathedral, its new exhibitions and it historic collections. read more...

Martyrdom of Thomas Becket Choral Evensong

A powerful and atmospheric candlelit service during which we will retrace the the steps of St Thomas Becket on his last day of earthly life (850 years ago on this day) and commemorate the significance of pilgrimage to his shrine following his death. The service will include a procession to the Martyrdom and Crypt. read more...

Festive Lunches and Christmas Parties at The Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Looking for an exceptional Christmas Lunch or Christmas Party Night in Canterbury? Within the inspirational grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, the Cathedral Lodge offers superb first class banqueting facilities and is in the ideal location to celebrate Christmas. read more...

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Dance

We cannot think of a more spectacular back drop to seeing in the New Year in Canterbury. Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and canapés on arrival, a 5-course gala dinner, DJ and dancing with live band, followed by a glass of Prosecco and a Scottish Piper at midnight. read more...

Canterbury Charters and the Cult of Thomas Becket: 1150-1300

William Urry Lecture for the Canterbury Historical Society. Lecture by Canterbury Cathedral’s Head of Archives, Cressida Williams, and Mary Berg held in the Newton Lecture Theatre at Canterbury Christ Church University. Free to Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society members; £3 for non-members. No need to book. read more...