The Ultimate Guide To Events In Canterbury 2023
Canterbury is famed for being one of the most historic and beautiful cities in the UK, but it’s not just its mediaeval streets, ancient architecture, peaceful green spaces and state-of-the-art cultural spaces which make it such a great place to live and study.
Whether you’re a student, a local or just cruising through, there’s a myriad of events to get involved with in Canterbury, from music gigs, festivals, concerts, theatre, comedy and more.
Take a look at our ultimate guide below to spice up your calendar and find the best things to do with your friends this year!
1. Pride Festival
Kickstarting our ultimate guide to events in Canterbury is none other than Pride Festival.
This spectacular celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is returning this June and will mark the 50th anniversary since the first Pride march in Canterbury.
Set in the heart of the city, you can expect a parade and festival of music, dancing and fun for everyone to get involved with.
The buzzing line-up for this year’s annual event features pop sensations Liberty X, RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars Danny Beard and Baga Chipz, Tiktok icon Caity Baser as well as many more.
It’s not just live entertainment either, there will also be a great selection of food and drink in the Dane John Gardens across the 10th and 11th of June.
Pride Weekend is free to attend so make sure to go and show your support!
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When: 10th-11th June
Where: Canterbury City Centre
2. Stand Up Comedy At Malthouse Theatre
Is there anything better than a live stand up comedy show? We don’t think so!
If you’re studying in Canterbury, you need to head to the Malthouse Theatre this summer to enjoy some drinks and have a fantastic evening of fun and laughter.
The Comedy Ladder events are taking place on the 2nd of June and the 28th of July, with a line-up of the very best in live stand-up comedy.
Some of the comedians performing across the two shows include Markus Birdman, Jessica Fostekew, and Sean Mcloughlin – you may even recognize some from TV!
Both shows are set to be a barrel of laughs so don’t miss out and get your tickets now.
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When: 2nd June & 28th July
Where: Malthouse Theatre
3. Cathedral Lodge Summer Party
On the hunt for some fun events to attend in Canterbury for 2023? The Cathedral Lodge Summer Party is one you need to check out!
Located on the grounds of the cathedral itself, this stylish four-star hotel is hosting a summer party on the 23rd of June, where you can enjoy some drinks in the stunning garden area before heading inside for a 3-course dinner.
There will be performances from a solo singer and a 7-piece function band so you’re certain to be entertained throughout the evening.
Tickets cost £45 per person but with your food and drinks included, this celebration is definitely worth stretching your budget for!
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When: 23rd June
Where: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel
4. Canterbury’s Cooking Food & Drink Festival
A festival which celebrates the vibrant food scene in Canterbury? Who could say no to that!
Taking place within the historic Dane John Gardens, Canterbury’s Cooking Food & Drink Festival is the largest celebration of food, drink and culture in Kent.
The two-day festival will take place from the 22nd to the 24th of September, and will feature over 100 street food street food traders from across the country.
This year the annual foodie festival is said to be bigger and better than ever, make sure to be part of it and bring along an empty stomach!
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When: 22nd-24th September
Where: Dane John Gardens
5. Canterbury Vintage Kilo Sale
If you’re looking for an affordable way to shop preloved clothes then you’re in luck as the Canterbury Vintage Kilo Sale is yet again returning this June.
You can shop till you drop at Westgate Hall on the 11th June from 10am until 4pm, with a range of sustainable, vintage retro and branded fashion available for you to look through.
The way it works is, you grab a biodegradable bag on your way in and you’re free to have a rummage through, then if you see something you like it’s just £20 a kilo so you’re guaranteed to get some great outfits!
Tickets cost just £2 for general admission, but if you want to have first dibs and have a rummage through the men’s and women’s preowned clothing, you can get an early bird ticket for £3.
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When: Westgate Hall
Where: 11th June
6. 2:22 – A Ghost Story
The award-winning theatre show, 2:22 A Ghost Story, has taken the West End by storm and is coming to Canterbury later this year.
This supernatural thriller is embarking on an extensive UK-wide tour and will be hitting The Marlowe Theatre from the 12th of September until the 16th of September.
Whilst the cast is yet to be announced we’re sure it will be a stellar line up with previous names including Tom Felton, Lily Allen, James Buckley, Laura Whitmore and Matt Willis.
What can you expect? It’s an adrenaline-filled show where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear, but we’ll leave it up to you to see for yourself…
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When: 12th-16th September
Where: The Marlowe Theatre
7. Canterbury Festival
The Canterbury Festival is Kent’s international festival of the arts, with a programme of music, performances, talks, literature, science lectures, and more.
Boasting over 200 free and ticketed events across different venues within the city, Canterbury Festival will be returning from the 26th September until the 4th November 2023.
As one of the city’s most important cultural events it attracts over 60,000 visitors each year, and offers something for everyone to get involved with!
Keep your eyes peeled on the official website to discover this year’s programme, you won’t want to miss out on this.
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When: 26th September-4th November
Where: Multiple venues
8. We Love Wednesdays: Summer Special
When it comes to events in Canterbury for 2023, We Love Wednesdays: Summer Special is a MUST.
Canterbury’s biggest nightlife venue Club Chemistry is hosting a summer special with 3 floors of music, from chart classics to dance to afrobeat’s to hip hop to RnB to drill and more.
So, you and your friends can party along to all the best student anthems and make the most of £2.20 drinks, talk about a good time!
Tickets are currently just £5 so grab yours and say goodbye to the academic year in style…
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When: 28th June
Where: Club Chemistry
It’s not all work and no play in the historic city of Canterbury, with events to suit everyone so you can ditch your regular watering holes and make everlasting memories with your besties!
Summer is the perfect time for picnics with your friends, and if you’re looking for the best spots in Coventry we have JUST the guide for you.