Canterbury City Centre

Join on Sunday 24 May, during the bank holiday weekend, for a city-wide celebration for Canterbury's transformed public spaces and mark the end of these exciting milestone projects within the city's Levelling Up Fund work. Enjoy live music from Hullabaloo, The Native Oysters Band and Goblin Band, witness The Great Escape aerial theatre performances at Westgate Square and experience Folk Lore Kent's Mayhem Fair at the Dane John Gardens, complete with big top marquee, maypole and Morris dancing, folk entertainment, live music and crafting and dance workshops. Plus, enjoy food markets, pop-up bars and much more.

The Canterbury City Race brings two easy‑navigation running events to the city: a 5‑mile race and a 5k, delivered in partnership with Saxons Orienteering.  You’ll receive a map and basic navigation guidance before you start, then follow the checkpoints on a simple time‑trial format. Expect great refreshments, sports retailers, music and live commentary at the race hub, plus real‑time results streamed directly to their website. Prizes will be awarded for the top three male and female finishers, as well as male and female V40, V50 and V60 winners. The weekend also features optional additional races: a Friday evening Prologue on 22 May at Canterbury Christ Church University, and two Orienteering Sprint races on Sunday 24 May from the University of Kent. Entry for these is available through the main event entry link. Entry fees: £14 Early Bird, £16 from 2 February, £18 from 11 May.