Public Events at Canterbury Cathedral
Below you will find details of our main public events. To see details of all events and services, check the Calendar View, which can be viewed per day, week or month. For news items, see the News & Newsletter section.
November 2019
Canterbury War Horse
Ongoing
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
Ongoing
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
Ongoing
Daily mini talks, providing an insight into the Cathedral’s rich history read more...
Fellow Captives in Conversation
Starts 26 November
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...
December 2019
St Nicholas Family Service
8 December 15:15 - 16:00
All are welcome to come along to this short family service which will be attended by St Nicholas. read more...
Cathedral Carol Service
23 December 19:30 - 21:00
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
24 December 11:00 - 12:00
The Cathedral’s Crib service is held every year and is enjoyed by young and old. read more...
Cathedral Carol Service
24 December 15:00 - 16:30
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
28 December 15:00 - 16:00
All are welcome to attend the Cathedral’s annual Christingle Service which takes place every December. read more...
Martyrdom of Thomas of Canterbury
29 December
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
31 December - 1 January
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...
January 2020
Copes for Canterbury Seminar
20 January & 27 January 10.00-14.00
A unique chance to get up close (and personal!) with some of the Cathedral’s medieval and modern vestments and textiles. read more...
The Translation of Becket and the Young Henry III
23 January 19:00 - 21:00
A lecture given by David Carpenter, Professor of Medieval History at King’s College London. This is the first event in Canterbury for the Becket 2020 anniversary commemorations. No need to book. read more...
April 2020
Medieval History Weekend
3 April - 5 April
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...
May 2020
Thomas Becket – World Celebrity Healer
16 May - 27 September
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...
July 2020
Medieval Pageant
4 July 11:00 - 17:00
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...
November 2020
Becket2020 Conference
November 2020
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...
December 2020
Becket2020 Choral Evensong
29 December 2020 15:15 - 16:30
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...