Now in its ninth year, the University is delighted to once again support Canterbury Bid’s Canterbury’s Medieval Pageant and Family Trail as Headline Sponsor.

This year’s theme is Crown and Coronations with the pageant commemorating the 850th anniversary of King Henry II’s famous visit to Canterbury in 1174, as he made his penance for the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in the Cathedral by four knights who were seen to have acted on the King’s behalf.

To mark this special occasion, King Henry II and his wife Queen Eleanor will join the pageant, processing through the city streets once more, finishing at Canterbury Cathedral.

The University will once again be hosting a series of free, fun and entertaining events on our Canterbury campus as part of the Family Trail.

These include:

• a medieval encampment with living history display, demonstrating skills and activities from the Middle Ages such as coin making, bread making, armoury and a knight fighting
• print a medieval garden with special stamps and a colouring station
• view a selection of table-top and PC-based games designed by the University’s Games Design students
• listen to University Masters of Music Student, Gareth Balch, as he hosts a demonstration of medieval instruments and music.

There will also be the opportunity to attend a special medieval music concert in the evening where Gareth will be joined by Jeff Alexander is Professor of Guitar at Christ Church Canterbury University for a programme of duets and solos. Tickets for this event cost £5/ £3 or free to University students and staff.

For more information and timings of the Family Trail events at Canterbury Christ Church University visit our event pages.

Visit canterburymedievalpageant.co.uk for more information on the whole day’s events.