A major exhibition in the context of Becket’s story, Canterbury pilgrimage and health & wellbeing. 2020 marked the 900th anniversary of Thomas Becket’s birth, 850th of his death, and 800th of moving Becket’s relics to a new tomb and chapel in Canterbury Cathedral. Photographs, designs and cartoons will feature portrayals in theatre and film from Henry Irving to Richard Burton, and writers including Tennyson and Eliot creating Becket’s enduring legacy as a rebel. The exhibition will be part of a programme of events developed by partners from across the UK and a platform to commemorate the remarkable life and death of Thomas Becket. The exhibition showcases loans from The British Museum, The Arts Council Collection, University of Kent , Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury Museums & Gallery.

his year, in commemoration of the 850th anniversary of the death of Thomas Becket, we are asking our local community to design a giant in the image of Thomas Becket, who will  join in the city centre parade on the 16 October 2021.  Deadline for entries is 1 July 2021. Below you will find a handy resource pack to help you with your designs along with a design template. Please make sure to read through the pack, in it you will discover the story behind one of Canterbury’s most famous residents! Even better still, The Beaney is currently running a very special exhibition ‘Saint Thomas Becket, World Healer’ – why not pop over there and see some fantastic medieval relics on loan from the British Museum, Arts Council England and Canterbury Cathedral. The winning giant entry will become a giant which will be built over the summer by teachers from Canterbury School of Visual Arts (Canterbury College) and their students. They will also receive: progress photos as their giant is built an invitation to join the pageant and walk alongside the giant a £200 book token design on display in the city centre, during Canterbury Festival 2021