Raise your flags, raise a glass and raise a smile as Canterbury prepares to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. The nation will be celebrating from 6th to 8th May 2023, with plenty of fun-filled activities and events planned to get people into a party mood. Take a look at some of the exquisite events happening in district below, and our top tips for having a right royal celebration at home! You can search all coronation events here.
AL MURRAY COMES TO CANTERBURY! The Gukbenkian is hosting comedy legend Al Murray for one night only on Wednesday 3 May at 6pm and 9pm. The show, Al Murray: Gig For Victory Tour Warm Up promises all the usual from the people’s man of the people, the Pub Landlord plus he provides people "answers to questions that they know they need, and answers to questions they never knew existed." Book tickets now!
BLACK BRITISH CULTURE IN PRINT The University of Kent is hosting an exploration of black British culture. The exhibition Where Are You From, From? British Culture in Print: 1800s-now. Running from the 10th-26th May 2023 at the Studio 3 Gallery, it chronicles the changes and continuities of Black identities in Britain from the black Victorians of the 19th century to predictions on the future state of black culture and representation. Find out more
The University of Kent's School of Psychology is holding their first Mental Health Summit on Saturday 13 May. Learn all about Depression, Anxiety, OCD and Psychosis led by Clinical Psychologists. Hear from keynote speakers on wellbeing, movement and mental health support within primary and secondary education. Finally, engage with students and local charities at our lunch time fair. Find out more
VINTAGE KILO SALE Look out Canterbury! The biggest vintage sale you’ve ever seen is set to come to Canterbury's Westgate Hall on Sunday 14 May, 10-4pm. Grab a biodegradable bag on your way in and pick & mix your vintage clothing and fill to your hearts content, all for £20 a kilo! Tickets are just £2 or £3 for EarlyBird where you can get in an hour early. Find out more
Stag Coffee (St Margaret Street) and Litter Pick in the City Centre It’s time to get your steps in with the BID’s annual city centre litter pick! Help make our city sparkle while getting to know some of your fellow BID businesses. We will ensure you are well fuelled with breakfast at Stag Coffee in the Marlowe Arcade before we head off. Book your place PLEASE NOTE: These sessions are open to Canterbury BID Businesses only. Spaces are limited to 2 per business, unless availability allows. If you would like your business to host a networking event, please contact Rachel Pilard. If you are outside the BID area, but would like to become a voluntary member, CLICK HERE to find out more.
From the 11-20 May, Fenwick is hosting the its incredible Fenwick Beauty Showcase. To celebrate, head down at 5.30pm on 17 May to join their expert beauty buying team as they host an evening of beauty know-how, offering the low-down on the beauty, skincare and fragrance must-haves, plus an exclusive gift bag, including deluxe samples from some of our Beauty Buyers' top picks. Book your place and find out more
We've had a huge response from Canterbury BID businesses looking to give their utility bills a thorough audit and save money. We employed savings and support experts Place Support Partnership (PSP) back in March to give BID businesses a unique FREE opportunity to have expert support in navigating how to get best value on services like electricity, gas, water, telecoms, merchant services, insurance and pest control. Read our leaflet on what to expect They are now RETURNING ON 18 & 19 May, so if you'd like your business to get a thorough utility audit for FREE, please call this number 0333 0156 289 to book. Hurry though we only have 2 slots left. Any questions pls email them here
FANCY A BARN DANCE? Let your inhibitions go and have a great evening filled with dancing and laughter. The Rotary Club are hosting a fun charity Barn Dance on the 20th May at the Archbishops School at 7pm to raise money for Canterbury Umbrella and Catching Lives. Don’t worry if you’ve never barn danced before (most haven’t either!) as you’ll have lots of fun -and raise money . Find out more & book
The appearance of shopping areas and individual shopfronts is often an indication of the vitality and quality of a place. Well designed and historically interesting shopfronts can make a street a more attractive place to visit. Join Lizzy Johnson, Heritage and Design Manager for Canterbury City Council to discuss how the sustained and successful stewardship of buildings, streets and spaces is intertwined with the health of the retail economy.
T20 cricket season is here! Vitality Blast, Kent’s all-action, unmissable event returns to Canterbury. Starting next Weds 24 May, the Kent Spitfires will be looking to re-create their explosive 2021 T20 trophy winning season. Watch international stars battle it out, right on your doorstep with action-packed entertainment across seven matches in May and June. More info and tickets here PS:(special Pride themed day Friday 9 June)
All are welcome to Canterbury Street Pastors Open House on Saturday 27 May between 10am – 12noon, at Canterbury Baptist Church. Come along and find out more about the wonderful work they do to keep our streets and community safe at night time, and chat with them about their work over a cup of tea or coffee and a large slice of cake! Full details are on the attached flyer.
