Saturday 5 to Monday 7 July is the Translation of St Thomas of Canterbury weekend.
On Saturday there is the Canterbury Medieval Pageant with a parade and many pilgrimage theme activities.
On Sunday the focus is on the Cathedral where the First Evensong of the Translation is at 5.30pm.
Later that evening, as always on the eve of the translation, St Dunstan’s Church (the last on the PW before West Gate) at 7.30pm hosts the annual St Thomas More lecture. The day is the anniversary of his martyrdom in 1535.
This year’s speaker is mediaeval historian Professor Robert Bartlett.
Monday 7 July is The Translation marking the day in 1220 when Thomas Becket’s body was moved, or translated, from the cathedral crypt to the specially built shrine in the main church. This was to be the focus of international pilgrimage for more than 300 years.
Solemn Evensong at 5.30pm is followed by a procession to the shrine site.
At 7pm Solemn Mass will be celebrated by the Papal Nuncio and will include a Blessing with St Thomas Becket’s relics. Entry is by free ticket available from Jubilee 2025/Pilgrims of Hope.
‘His death and subsequent canonisation continues to have an impact upon the cathedral and community of this city and diocese.’