A Royal Visit for Canterbury’s 2019 Medieval Pageant!
Saturday 6th July 2019
Canterbury BID is delighted to announce the return of Canterbury’s Medieval Pageant and Trail 2019 so you can enjoy a day of Medieval madness in the city recently described by Channel 4 as ‘Britain’s Most Plantagenet City’.
It’s not often that Canterbury receives a visit from Plantagenet royalty, but on Saturday 6th July the red carpet will be rolled out as King Henry II and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine arrive in Canterbury. Their reason, to pay penance for Henry’s role in the death of Saint Thomas Becket. Queen Eleanor will be taking centre stage, a woman still held as a feminist icon, the creator of the Courts of Love and the only Queen to go on crusade! She was the mother to two English Kings (Richard the Lionheart and King John) and imprisoned by her husband for 16 years for her acts of rebellion – this is a queen you will love to meet!
Join historical characters, local schools, re-enactment groups, giants, knights on horses and so much more in the Westgate Gardens from 11am. Enjoy two free performances, a parade through the city centre and a whole afternoon of historic trail activities suitable for the whole family. 16 historic venues will be taking part in the trail this year, each hosting medieval activities and opportunities to discover Canterbury’s rich cultural history.
Last year’s event saw 5,000 enjoy the parade and 4,000 visits for the trail venues throughout the afternoon. Trail venues this year feature medieval architecture, roman walls, the head of a saint, a relic of Becket and the largest surviving medieval gateway in England, providing a truly atmospheric time. There you can try your hand at activities including archery, a knight’s school, jewellery and badge making and more. Visit five or more venues and receive a FREE chocolate medallion from Canterbury Cathedral Shop for an extra rewarding experience!
Lisa Carlson, Canterbury BID Chief Executive said, “We are truly delighted to be bringing the Medieval Pageant back to Canterbury as it is a fantastic celebration of our city’s rich cultural history as well as being a fun day out for everyone. We also know that it creates a great moment for local businesses to engage with customers as the event attracts such a huge influx of visitors and inspires people, local and beyond ,to linger longer in the city and visit the many wonderful shops and restaurants that we have to offer in Canterbury.”
The Medieval Pageant is part of the BID’s funding for events and festivals that support local businesses. These events have brought over 285,000 people to the city over the last five years and include Pride Canterbury, Canterbury Festival, Canterbury Vegan Market, Wise Words, City Sound Project, bOing! In the City and Canterbury’s Shakespeare Festival as well as the Medieval Pageant.
VISIT EVENT PAGE: CLICK HERE
Pick up your free trail leaflet form The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge.
