A key strand to the DMP is realising the cultural potential of Canterbury, through making more of what is happening and developing new content and festivals where there is opportunity and demand.
Magna Carta Family Trail – 13 June 2015
On Saturday 13 June Canterbury came alive with medieval characters, music, fun hands-on activities, free guided tours, exhibitions, film screenings all of which were held as part of a national weekend to mark the national 800th anniversary celebration of the sealing of Magna Carta.
Magna Carta was agreed by King John at Runnymede on 15 June 1215, and has played an important role in the development of human rights, liberty and democracy in Britain and across the globe. Canterbury had a key part to play in the story of Magna Carta through the role of Archbishop Stephen Langton. Also, one of the four surviving copies of the 1215 Magna Carta has been identified as Canterbury’s copy. It is now in the British Library in London.
Hundreds of visitors took part and enjoyed the various events which included a free Magna Carta family trail around important heritage sites, to find out about Magna Carta and meet colourful, real-life characters from the early 13th century.
A cumulative total of well over 2,000 people (mainly families with children) visited the six participating sites with over 120 children visiting all the venues and receiving a chocolate medal from the Cathedral shop.
As it was such a significant event nationally and for the city, Canterbury Connected BID helped support the event by producing the Magna Cart Trail Leaflet. The trail took people off the beaten track, allowing them to explore parts of the city that they may never have come across, drove footfall to the city and encouraged engagement with the local community and businesses.
To read the full Canterbury and the Magna Carta Evaluation Report 2015 click here.
