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Holy Week and Easter
Living Hope
All are invited to join us for our services and events at Canterbury Cathedral, as together we celebrate this festival of hope.
NON-RESIDENTIAL
Holy Week Retreat at Canterbury Cathedral
led by Canon Emma
Wednesday 16 April - Easter Day (Sunday 20 April)
Immerse yourself in the hope of the Easter story at Canterbury Cathedral; through worship, reflections, Bible study and silence.
Join us in this transformational time, for a special programme of events.
Booking essential; limited spaces.
£150 per person for full retreat; or £50 per person per day.
This is a non-residential retreat; accommodation is not included.
To find out more and book, please contact [email protected]
Special services
All welcome.
A service of Said Evening Prayer will also take place each day Monday 14 - Saturday 19 April, at 16:00 in the Crypt - in person only.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
Palm Sunday
13 April
10:45 Blessing of the Palms and Procession
Gather at the Yeomanry Memorial in Canterbury (opposite Nationwide), where we will bless the Palms and informally process to the Cathedral. For those unable to walk, please go straight to the Cathedral and blessed Palms will be brought to you.
11:00 Palm Sunday Eucharist †
17:30 Palm Sunday Evensong †
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
Holy Week Reflections: Living with Hope †
Monday 14 - Wednesday 16 April, 17:30 in the Quire
Join Dean David and the choir each evening for a Holy Week reflection based on our Lent and Easter theme of ‘Hope’.
Maundy Thursday
17 April
11:00 Chrism Eucharist with Renewal of Vows and blessing of Oils †
16:00 Said Evening Prayer
19:30 Liturgy of Maundy Thursday, with Foot Washing and Vigil
Good Friday
18 April
10:00 Good Friday Family Service
12:00-13:30 The Cross of Hope - Meditations led by Dean David
13:45-15:00 The Liturgy of the Cross, concluding in the Precincts
16:00 Said Evening Prayer
Holy Saturday
19 April
16:00 Said Evening Prayer
19:30 Vigil and first Eucharist of Easter
Easter Day
Sun 20 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 Bishop Rose
17:30 Solemn Evensong †
Canterbury Cathedral presents
A Concert of Music for Holy Week by Candlelight
Good Friday (18 April), 19:30-21:00 in the Quire
This Good Friday, the Lay Clerks and Organists of Canterbury Cathedral will perform a selection of music appropriate to Holy Week in the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral Quire.
The Choir will be directed by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music at Canterbury Cathedral; the organ will be played by David Newsholme, Director of Music at Canterbury Cathedral.
Tickets: £22 (Incl. £2 booking fee)
Bookable via the Canterbury Festival Website
Easter Holiday Activities
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! - Children (aged 17 and under) go FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. (Max 2 children per paying adult; does not apply to group bookings or school visits). See T&Cs of entry.
FREE* Easter Holiday Drop-in Crafts
Mon 7 - Wed 9 & Mon 14 - Wed 16 April, 11:00-15:00 - by the Compass Rose in the Cathedral
Join us for free* mindful crafts for all ages!
Make a woven paper-plate flower or a ‘tie-dye’ effect paper cross. Take them home for Easter decorations or contribute to a collaborative, community piece that will be displayed in our Cathedral Visitor Centre.
FREE* Family Tours
Mon 7 - Fri 11 & Mon 14 - Wed 16 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.
These tours are aimed at children aged 6 -13 but are suitable for the whole family to enjoy!
Family Tours last 45 minutes, and pre-booking is suggested as spaces are limited.
To book, email [email protected]
FREE* Easter Holiday Music Workshops
Thurs 10 & Fri 11 April, 10:00-11:00 & 14:00-15:00 - in the Chapter House
Join us for a free* musical workshop this Easter holiday!
Discover the fun and magic of music, in a historic setting; with singing, percussion and games - accompanied by fluffy (toy) chicks and bunnies!
Perfect for children aged 4-11 (and their grown ups!).
No need to book.
FREE* Gregory and Peti’s Easter Trail
Easter Monday (21 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.
Return your completed trail sheet to the Cathedral Shop to claim your (chocolate) prize!
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE LODGE
Easter Day Lunch
Sunday 20 April – bookings available 12:30-15:30
Come and enjoy a delicious three-course À la carte lunch with all the family in our bright Refectory Restaurant, with the incredible backdrop of Canterbury Cathedral.
£40 per adult; £22 per child under 14 years
Under 4’s eat for free
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.
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