Canterbury Medieval Pageant

Now established for a decade, the event at Canterbury is very much in the tradition of the summer parades that took place in cities in the middle ages, with costumed participants, local dignitaries and several giant puppets. The assembled costumed participants gather at the Westgate and process around the city High Street and adjoining thoroughfares, ending in the Cathedral precincts. When we visited, the theme was the Canterbury Tales and after the parade, performers acted out a couple of the tales from Chaucer’s magnum opus on a stage beside the walls of the Cathedral church. There were also a range of family activities at locations around town throughout the day, with a themed trail to follow and cash rewards for the children in the form of chocolate coins!

Helpful Hints

In 2025 it was on Saturday July 5th- 2026 date is yet to be confirmed but likely to be Saturday 4th. The activities are all free of charge and maps with all the participating locations in the Trail were available from the Beaney House Museum in the High Street, and on the website link below.

Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/canterburymedievalpageant

and website: https://canterburymedievalpageant.co.uk