Canterbury BID’s 9th annual Medieval Pageant and Trail commemorates the 850th anniversary of King Henry II’s famous visit to Canterbury in 1174.

Participants are encouraged to attend the pageant, departing from the Westgate Towers at 11am, and then explore sites around the city to take part in activities and collect stamps (redeemable for a giant chocolate coin at the Cathedral). Canterbury Christ Church University sponsors the event, and will be hosting a number of things to see and do. Find out more on the Canterbury Medieval Pageant website.

Medieval Encampment Coleridge Garden 12 - 5pm

Ost Centingas reenactors will set up an encampment, with living history displays,  demonstrating skills and activities from the period. See them at work, including coin making, stone milling, bread making with an open fire, woodworking, armoury, and a knight fighting display.

Print a Medieval Garden Powell lawn, 12 - 5pm

There will be a drop-in botanical workshop on Powell lawn (between Powell and Laud buildings), which is suitable for all ages. Create a garden using custom stamps of common and introduced Medieval Plants, and washable inks. There will also be a colouring station and a display of posters about the plants. 

Medieval Games Daphne Oram Café, 12 - 5pm

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.  The café will be open, serving refreshments throughout the day.

Print Pilgrimage Daphne Oram Gallery, 12 - 3pm

An exhibition of printmaking from East Kent Schools Together will have a special Saturday opening for the Pageant. The Print Pilgrimage project uses printmaking to make physical and ideological links between participants, and explores the diversity of their backgrounds and histories. This is inspired in part by the traditions of religious pilgrimages. See below for more information about the exhibition.

Medieval Music St Gregory's Centre for Music, 12 - 4pm & 6 - 7pm

CCCU Masters of Music student Gareth Balch will host demonstrations of medieval instruments and music, including the citole, vihuela, renaissance guitar and lute. These 20 minute performances will take place at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. In the evening, Gareth will be joined by Jeff Alexander, Professor of Guitar at Christ Church Canterbury University, for a concert of duets on the guitar and lute, together with music for the vihuela and citole. See below for more details on these performances.