Canterbury’s Medieval Pageant to take to city’s streets to celebrate historic events of pilgrims visiting shrine of Thomas Becket

One of Canterbury’s most colourful and spectacular festivals will take to the streets on Saturday with the return of the Medieval Pageant.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the popular event, which sees the city centre step back in time with colourful characters, music, re-enactments and storytelling.

To mark the anniversary, this year’s pageant puts a spotlight on the medieval pilgrims who came to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket as well as the author who wrote Canterbury into the history books – Geoffrey Chaucer.

The colourful parade of pilgrims will be joined by ‘giants’, musicians and local school children to process through the city centre at 11am, starting at the Westgate Towers and finishing in the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral.

The day will also feature a 21-stop trail as well as a ‘Royal’ household, battling knights, squires, weavers, blacksmiths and England's “oldest toilet” - although this will not be for use.

The trail includes free entry to St Augustine’s Abbey, St John’s Hospital (Northgate), the Cathedral Precincts, the Westgate Towers and a beautiful trail through Canterbury Christ Church Campus, including their medieval bakehouse.

The event is organised by Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) and sponsored by Canterbury Christ Church University.

BID chief executive Lisa Carlson said: “Our first Medieval Pageant, 10 years ago, marked the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta and we are delighted to see it continue to grow in popularity, highlighting Canterbury’s rich history, bringing new visitors to the city and telling even more tales.”

For more details of the event on Saturday, July 5, and the route it takes through the city centre visit: www.canterburymedievalpageant.co.uk