Safeguarding and Welfare
We are dedicated to safeguarding the wellbeing of children and all adults who may be vulnerable- including worshippers, visitors, clergy, staff and volunteers. Find out more
For urgent safeguarding concerns contact the emergency services (999) or the Cathedral Constables at 01227 866237 - located by the main entrance to the Precincts, Christ Church Gate.
Music has played an integral role in the life of Canterbury Cathedral since its foundation by St Augustine in 597 AD. The Anglican Choral Tradition continues to flourish here, and is a daily source of inspiration to those who visit the Cathedral.
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
Canterbury Youth Choir (CYC)
A brand new community choir for local children in school Years 3-6.
WHEN? Wednesdays, 4pm - 5.15pm
WHERE? Cathedral Community Studio, The Precincts, CT1 2EH
Why join?
- Sing every week, and develop your musical skills.
- Participate in special collaboration projects, with professional musicians, in exciting venues.
- Build confidence in your singing, and make new friends.
- Get a special concert t-shirt and folder (and weekly snacks!)
Plus, membership to the choir is FREE!
Highlighted Music events
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A FRIENDLY EVENT
The Friends' Coffee Concert
Tuesday 3 February, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Your chance to be entertained by the Cathedral’s Choral Scholars whilst enjoying coffee and pastries.
This informal concert will showcase the progress and repertoire of the Scholars who joined the Cathedral in September 2025.
Expect a warm welcome and a mixed musical medley on a chilly Tuesday morning!
Tickets: £10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
MONTHLY
FRIENDly Singing for Wellbeing
St Paul’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 1NH
ALL welcome – rusty singers included!
Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit, followed by sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.
Please join us between 14:00-15:00 on the following Mondays:
- 9 February
- 9 March
- 11 May
- 8 June
Plus more dates scheduled
Free to attend but donations welcomed.
All welcome. No need to book.
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).
FREE Informal Organ Recitals
Friday 13 February 2026, 18:15 in the Quire - after 17:30 Evensong
Friday 13 February
Robin Walker, The King’s School, Canterbury
Friday 24 April
Peter King
Friday 22 May
Eleni Keventsidou
A series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.
Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.
See recital programme and organist biography
NEW FOR 2026
FREE* Wednesday Lunchtime Organ Recitals
Performed by our Assistant Director of Music, Jamie Rogers, this new series will be centred solely around the music of J.S Bach and his influences.
- 25 February
- 22 April
- 20 May
All at 13:15 in the Quire. Un-ticketed.
*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.
EXCLUSIVE EVENT
Organ Open Evening
Friday 27 February 2026, 18:30 in the Quire
Learn all about our Cathedral organ at our FREE Open Evening!
This will include an introduction to the Cathedral’s organ (refurbished by Harrison & Harrison in 2020) and demonstration by Assistant Director of Music, Jamie Rogers, followed by a chance for keen organists to play - time allowing - a short piece of their choice.
This event is free to attend and un-ticketed.
Please note, the sign up list to play the organ is now full.
Canterbury Cathedral presents
A Concert of Music for Holy Week by Candlelight
Good Friday (3 April), 19:30-20:45 in the Quire
Our Lay Clerks and Organists, 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.
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
FREE* Summer Recitals
with our Cathedral Choral Scholars
Dates in June, 13:15-14:00 in the Crypt
Wednesday 3 June - James McNinch (Tenor)
Wednesday 10 June - Lydia South (Mezzo)
Wednesday 17 June - Stephen Beale (Bass)
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).