On Christmas Day (25th Dec) the Cathedral will be open for services of worship only (no sightseeing entry). The Precincts will be open to all, free of charge, from 0700 to 2100.
On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, we will be open for sightseeing from 1000 to 1700 (last entry at 1600).
Planning your visit? Check our opening times and upcoming closures.
*UPDATE* Please note, there will be no service of Said Evening Prayer at 4pm on 23rd or 24th December.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Join the Choir
Children
For children with a love of singing, there can be few more rewarding experiences than being a Chorister at Canterbury Cathedral.
The next round of auditions will take place in summer 2026.
For more information about this unique and life-changing experience, please read our Chorister Information booklet (PDF) and contact the Director of Music, David Newsholme.
Join the Choir
Adults
The Cathedral Choir includes twelve adult singers who take the alto, tenor and bass voice parts. These positions are held by a mixture of permanent professional singers (Lay Clerks) and early career singers (Choral Scholars).
Lay Clerk positions are advertised from time to time on our Vacancies page.
Choral Scholars ordinarily spend a year living together in shared accommodation within the Precincts and working at the Cathedral, during which time they hone their vocal and musical skills and experience. Positions are advertised annually in the Spring Term and are open to altos, tenors and basses. Prospective candidates are warmly invited to contact the Director of Music, David Newsholme for an informal discussion about the role.
Additionally, the Cathedral offers an opportunity each year to an organist who is at an early stage in their career. The Organ Scholar lives in shared accommodation with the Choral Scholars, plays the organ at services on a regular basis, and gains invaluable experience of all aspects of the Cathedral’s musical life. The Organ Scholar position is advertised annually in September. Prospective candidates are warmly invited to contact the Director of Music, David Newsholme for an informal discussion about the role.
The Cathedral maintains a list of Deputy Lay Clerks who are available to sing in the Choir if a Lay Clerk or Choral Scholar is absent. Deputy Lay Clerks are generally singers with extensive professional experience. Prospective candidates are warmly invited to contact the Director of Music, David Newsholme.
