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.
August 2020
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...
VJ Day Anniversary Evensong
15 August 17:30 - 18:30
A special Evensong to mark the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day. Tickets for the service are free and can be reserved here. The service will also be live streamed on our website. read more...
September 2020
Heritage Open Days
11 September - 20 September
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...
October 2020
The Big Draw and Children’s Pilgrimage Activities
27 - 29 October
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
30 October 10:00 - 17:00
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...
December 2020
Martyrdom of Thomas Becket Choral Evensong
29 December 15:15 - 16:30
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
December 2020
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
31 December
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...
October 2021
Canterbury Charters and the Cult of Thomas Becket: 1150-1300
October 2021
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...