Canterbury Medieval Pageant

This year’s Canterbury Medieval Pageant puts a spotlight on the medieval pilgrims that came to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket, and the author that wrote Canterbury into the history books – Geoffrey Chaucer!

The grand parade of knights, regal monarchs, and merry minstrels will set off from the Westgate Towers, along Canterbury’s High Street at 11am, after which you can embark on your quest for the Family Trail. However, you are welcome avoid the crowds and head straight to our North Holmes Road campus from 10am, for a variety of free, accessible, and family-friendly performances, workshops and exhibits.

View our helpful activities map online to find your way round campus!

Medieval Encampment

Øst Centingas are a North Kent-based re-enactment group will be portraying the military and civilian parts of the Middle Ages, including combat, cooking and craft, on Coleridge Lawn.

Hops and Heritage

Join the MA Heritage students on a walking tour of the campus grounds, exploring how monastic heritage is presented through our green spaces. Starting from the Brewhouse wall - located between Coleridge, Johnson and Powell buildings - you will walk a step-free route through green spaces discussing medieval brewing and wine-making.

Tours will commence at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Book your place on a tour to help us prepare, and guarantee your place. Walk-ins also welcome.

Medieval and Renaissance Music

Experience a journey through the plucked instrumental traditions of Medieval and Renaissance England. These performances, featuring music not heard for five hundred years, will take place in St Gregory's Centre for Music, a beautiful historic church which has been converted into a stunning music venue.

Performances will take place at 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm and 2.30pm, . Book your place at a performance to help us prepare, and guarantee your seat. Walk-ins also welcome.

Make a Knight's Tale-inspired Greek Shield

Join us in the Daphne Oram Gallery to design your very own Greek shield, known as 'hoplon' or 'aspis', from recycled materials. Please note this was previously advertised as taking place on Powell lawn. 

Visualising Canterbury Castle

This nine-month project, funded by the Castle Studies Trust, is creating a new 3D digital reconstruction of Canterbury Castle’s Norman keep. See an early prototype in the Daphne Oram Creative Arts building. Learn more about the Castle project here. 

Canterbury Games

The CCCU Games Design team will be presenting a selection of student-designed tabletop and PC-based games. Staff and students will be available to showcase the games.