Holy Week and Easter
All are invited to join us for our services and events at Canterbury Cathedral, as together we celebrate this time of faith.
Many of our services are livestreamed, and will be available to watch again later.
Special services A Concert by Candlelight Mini Talks Easter Holiday Activities Easter Lunch at The Lodge
Special services
Palm Sunday
29 March
11:00 Palm Sunday Eucharist † starting at 10:45 in the High Street with the Blessing of Palms
17:30 Palm Sunday Evensong †
† Livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.
Holy Week Reflections on Faith†
Monday 30 March - Wednesday 1 April in the Quire
Join the Revd Dr Ayla Lepine and the choir each evening for a reflection based on our Holy Week and Easter theme of 'Faith' - Watch
† Livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.
Good Friday
3 April
10:00 Good Friday Family Service
12:00-13:30 Good Friday Reflections † led by the Rt Revd Martin Seeley - Watch
13:45-15:00 The Liturgy of the Cross † concluding with a walk of witness to the Easter Garden - Watch
17:30 Said Evening Prayer
19:30-20:45 A Concert of Music for Holy Week by Candlelight - Paid, ticketed event
† Livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.
Holy Saturday
4 April
17:30 Said Evening Prayer
19:30 Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter
Easter Day
Sun 5 April
08:10 Sung Eucharist - Broadcast live on BBC Radio 4
Doors open at 07:30. All must be seated by 07:45; due to broadcast requirements, late comers cannot be admitted.
11:00 Easter Day Eucharist † with Archbishop Sarah Mullally - Watch
17:30 Solemn Evensong † - Watch
† Livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.
A Concert of Music for Holy Week by Candlelight
Good Friday (3 April), 19:30-20:45
The Lay Clerks and Organists of Canterbury Cathedral, together with distinguished guest instrumentalists, will perform Arvo Pärt’s Passio by candlelight in the Quire.
Pärt’s masterpiece was completed in 1982 and sets verses in Latin from St John’s Gospel. Paid, ticketed event.
Tickets: £19 (+ £2 booking fee)
Tickets are available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website (linked below) or via the Canterbury Festival Box Office: 01227 457568
Guest Preacher
Revd Dr Ayla Lepine
Associate Rector, St James's Church, Piccadily
Ayla joined St James’s as Associate Rector in July 2022. Originally from Canada, she moved to the UK in 2003 to study theology and art history. Following her PhD in Victorian sacred architecture at the Courtauld Institute of Art, she held fellowships and lectureships at Yale’s Institute of Sacred Music, the Courtauld, and the National Gallery. She was ordained in 2018 and her curacy was at Hampstead Parish Church.
Ayla’s approach to ministry focuses deeply on belonging, beauty, and social justice. As a parish priest, her vocation bridges theology and the arts, ranging from exhibitions and podcasts to academic engagement and interfaith community-building. Her publications include multi-author projects for the journal British Art Studies and Tate’s ‘In Focus’ series, as well as books including Modern Architecture and Religious Communities. She is a trustee of the UK charity Art and Christianity, a Visiting Scholar at Sarum College and St Augustine’s College, and a member of the St Paul’s Cathedral Visual Arts Committee. Ayla is also a member of the Church of England’s Contested Heritage Committee and a Visiting Fellow at King’s College London.
Between Monday 30 March - Wednesday 1 April, we welcome the Revd Dr Ayla Lepine to deliver a series of three themed Mini Talks at 14:00 each day, and then lead our 17:30 Holy Week Reflections based on our theme of 'Faith'.
Monday 30 March
Winifred Knights, Life of St Martin of Tours
Tuesday 31 March
Evelyn Underhill’s Crucifix
Wednesday 1 April
Claudette Johnson, Blues Dance
FREE* Holy Week Mini Talks
Listen to 15-minute themed Mini Talks, delivered by the Revd Dr Ayla Lepine - included free* with your entry ticket.
No booking required. Please meet in the Nave, close to the ramp by the South West Door, where you will directed to the start of the talk.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
Please note that the access route to the All Saints' Chapel is via a steep stone stairwell, for which only one person at a time may ascend / descend. If you have an aversion to heights, albeit it minor, or suffer from vertigo, please consult your GP before attending. Similarly, if you suffer from angina, high blood pressure, asthma, or other such conditions as may affect your use of stairs, please take care and take your time in using the stairwell.
It is strongly advised to wear flat, comfortable shoes and avoid wearing footwear such as sandals, crocs, or high heels. The flooring, due to being within a scheduled monument and heritage listed building, may be uneven.
In the event of an emergency, Cathedral staff will swiftly, but safely, shepherd you to a safe place of refuge.
Winifred Knights - Scenes from the Life of St Martin of Tours’
Monday 30 March, 14:00 in St Martin’s Chapel
A small altarpiece by the British artist Winifred Knights tells a little-known story in the life of St Martin of Tours, connecting the Eucharist with motherhood, spirituality and hope.
Evelyn Underhill’s Crucifix
Tuesday 31 March, 14:00 in the All Saints’ Chapel
Theologian and author Evelyn Underhill’s crucifix was an important part of her prayers in her London home, and its presence in Canterbury Cathedral connects us with Underhill’s unique spirituality.
Before attending, please read disclaimer above regarding accessibility, health and safety for All Saints' Chapel.
Claudette Johnson – Blues Dance
Wednesday 1 April, 14:00 in St Gabriel’s Chapel
Mary the Mother of God takes many forms, and this image by Claudette Johnson invites us into the flow of God’s eternal love, even at the foot of the Cross.
Claudette Johnson, Blues Dance, 2023 © Claudette Johnson. Image courtesy the artist and Hollybush Gardens, London Photo: Andy Keate
FREE* Easter Holiday Activities
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
Children must be accompanied by a parent/carer at all times.
Gregory and Peti's Easter Trail
Good Friday (3 April) - Sun 19 April, during visiting hours
Follow the trail map to discover the real meaning of Easter, as you explore different parts of the Cathedral, and learn why this festival is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar.
Family Tours
Mon 6 - Fri 10 & Mon 13 - Fri 17 April, 11:05 & 13:30
Bring your little historians to Canterbury Cathedral to hear stories of Becket and the Black Prince, Monks and Miracles, Tombs and Towers.
Aimed at ages 6 -13, but suitable for all!
Tours last 45 minutes, and pre-booking is recommended.
To book, email [email protected]
Easter Craft Activities
Tues 7 - Fri 10 & Tues 14 - Fri 17 April, 11:00-15:00
Inspired by brass rubbing, come and make some texture rubbings to use in a paper collage! And enjoy other Easter-themed crafts.
All welcome.
Drop-in activities; no need to book.
SPECIAL EVENT AT THE LODGE
Easter Day Lunch
Sunday 5 April - bookings available between 13:00-15:30
Enjoy a seasonal three-course À la carte lunch with all the family in our bright Refectory Restaurant.
£42.50 per adult; £20 for under 14s
Booking essential.
All events at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge have limited availability and must be pre-booked. Full pre-payment will be taken at the time of booking and is non-refundable, unless we are able to re-sell places booked.
