Christmas in Canterbury 2022 - MyCanterbury Guide

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We’re here to help you find the very best places to eat, drink, shop, party and enjoy some great Christmas entertainment. Inside, discover Canterbury’s best kept secret (a second panto?! Oh yes there IS!) as well as meeting the families behind two of the city’s most long-established businesses, Siesta and Angels.

Canterbury has been fortunate enough to have experienced lots of new business openings this year. We’ve got the inside track on some of them, including the spectacular rooftop restaurant Socialite, and quirky, speakeasy-style Cosy Club, both found in the (much rejuvenated) St Margaret’s St. as well as steak specialists herd. near The Westgate. And of course, our call to action is simple – please support your local shops and businesses this Christmas! Shop local to keep money circulating in the city. You’ll find an amazing array of gift ideas right here and you’ll be supporting jobs and the local economy in Canterbury while you spend. Our thanks go to our friends at Girlings Solicitors for supporting this Guide.

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From the Canterbury BID team –a very merry Christmas to you all.

You can go to the ball!

Canterbury is well and truly at the centre of Christmas Panto jollity every year! Theatre fans here are spoiled for choice –with not one but TWO top-notch pantos in town.

We all know about The Marlowe Theatre’s marvellous Christmas traditions, but did you realise that just a few minutes walk from The Westgate Towers, another panto is throwing open its doors, unfurling lavish costumes and bringing the house down with silly jokes, fantastic musical numbers, ugly sisters and a West End cast?

The Malthouse Theatre is a converted Victorian Malthouse, a short walk from the centre of Canterbury and Canterbury West train station. It’s tucked off St Stephens Rd, out of sight – but when you see it, it will really take your breath away.

Inside, there’s a 300 seat theatre, studios and bar. Part of the King’s School, the theatre is open to the public during the holidays, offering professional and community productions. This year, the Malthouse will again partner with Gardner Hodges Associates in presenting the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes – CINDERELLA! It’s a great stage and audience experience, being both spacious yet intimate – there’s no seat with a bad view, making it especially good for children. Joe and Jay Gardner Hodges produce the venue's pantomime. Between them they have worked on theatre productions across the globe encompassing musicals, plays and pantomime. They live in Margate (Joe’s hometown).

We asked Joe and Jay what they’ll be bringing to the festive stage this year…

“This Christmas sees the production of our second family pantomime at The Malthouse. Last year’s production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ played to sold out houses and tremendous critical acclaim. Our ethos is centred around family affordability, offering a top West End cast and creative team, sumptuous sets and glittering costumes, on a family budget, with top price tickets selling for just £18.50.

We’re ‘Canterbury's most familyaffordable ball’. Our value for money is simply unbeatable, but our jewel in the crown is our West End cast; some of their credits include, ‘Mamma Mia’, ’Wicked’ and ’Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’. The magic of ‘Cinderella’ is like no other Panto, pumpkins turning to coaches, glass slippers and big royal balls, it's all very exciting!

To complement our professional principal cast and ensemble, we have forty local children, making up four teams of our juvenile ensemble. We held open auditions locally during August – they're all exceptional talents and we’re delighted to have them with us.”

The Malthouse Panto

What’s the most important ingredient for a panto?...

“Laughter – and lots of it. It is really important for us to find the right balance of child and adult humour while remembering that ultimately, we’re producing a piece of family entertainment, it has to appeal to all. The ugly sisters are a hoot, we know they’re the baddies, but they are our favourites. They’re evil, nasty and hilarious and their costumes are pretty glam too!”

So….what happens if something goes wrong, live on stage?

Explains Joe, “You have a martini and laugh (whilst frantically sorting it out). I’ve got better over the years at laughing through the errors instead of getting caught up in them. With panto sometimes the bloopers are the funniest moments, we can't plan them though, they have to be spontaneous!“

What is your message to the families who’ve not yet discovered your panto productions at The Malthouse Theatre?

“Why not?! You won't find anywhere more festive over the Christmas period, there's something about being inside the Malthouse that makes you feel warm and cosy. It's cheap enough to bring the whole family (twice) and beats any Christmas present you'll find under the tree, getting to spend some quality time with your loved ones during the 'most wonderful time of the year'.”

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New Year’s

Gala Dinner

Welcome in a New Year with our exclusive black-tie gala dinner. See in the New Year in style with our exclusive black-tie gala dinner. The countdown starts with a glass of chilled Champagne as you arrive, followed by a glorious five-course meal finished off with coffee and petits fours. Then it’s just a short step to the dance floor, and house DJ to keep you grooving until the clock strikes midnight and beyond.

Per Person

Canterbury has welcomed several fantastic new eateries in the last months. We visited three (in the name of research….) to share their stories with you…

Eat, drink and soak up the rooftop view!

Canterbury waited a very long time for the much-anticipated Socialite rooftop bar and restaurant to open, high up on the rooftop above the Hilton Hotel in St Margaret’s St.

But it’s finally here – and we love it!

Diners can see far across the medieval rooftops to spectacular views of Canterbury Cathedral, The Marlowe Theatre and far beyond. At night it’s especially pretty, with the city lit up and twinkling as you dine. It’s an exceptional place for a sundowner, a cold glass of champagne, a celebration or a pre-theatre dinner.

Owner Adam Elliott and business partner (and Chef) Barry Vera met many years ago working in central London restaurants, where they sharpened their hospitality and events skills, and embraced the style of ‘all day dining’.

In May 2021, they opened their own venture in Brighton, called Socialite; a steak-led, affordable and sociable space. In early 22, Adam saw a promotion for the new space high above Canterbury’s Hampton by Hilton Hotel – and was intrigued. When the partners visited and met with the developer, they loved the space and decided to go for it.

Adam told us that “I wanted it to be both affordable and also sociable, so that people can come here, and perhaps have lunch, stay on afterwards and even end up having dinner here too. At weekends we have some form of light entertainment, from a DJ or sax player, to a singer or a 2-piece band. This is not just a bar - we want you to stay on and enjoy it… and if the weather is great, even move on to the terrace. Our age demographic is anything from 20 through to 80s!”

The restaurant floor is zoned, to allow different areas to deliver different experiences. There will be a private dining space with its own curtained off area and outside terrace, as well as a fabulous ‘Chef’s Table’ experience (for up to 8 people).

So, what can customers expect from the Socialite experience? This is a steak-led restaurant, although there’s something for everyone here (vegans too). From small plates and nibbles served on the terrace right up a full-on 900g Tomahawk sharing steak experience, with seafood and charcuterie included for balance.

Adds Adam “What have that no one else has in Canterbury is that view, and that open terrace – you don’t always appreciate it until the city is lit up at night. We’re already planning for New Year – it’s going to be great. We have taken a slow approach to opening, and we have still only just opened fully. We are on a learning curve in these first few months, and we’re not some big London business, we live in Kent, so we want to settle in and get it right.”

Where else does Adam rate locally? “We love El Sol, down near the Cathedral Gate – a wonderful tapas bar, great food and staff”

If you’ve not yet visited Socialite, it’s a welcoming and exciting experience – the views are unrivalled, and the food is getting great feedback. Brunches are coming too – a great price point to come and try this beautiful new space.

have you herd. ?

herd. opened earlier this year at the iconic, Art-Deco building in St Peter’s St formerly occupied by GBK (and originally, The Electric Cinema). Founder Adam Ready tells us about how he came to Canterbury, and his vision for herd.

What can we expect if we visit and dine with you?

Guests should expect to fall down the rabbit hole or rather the cattle grid to discover a reimagined art-deco building complete with a secluded hide lounge perfect for indulging in herd.’s acclaimed cocktails, a restaurant-sidebar, and a decadent dining room decorated with glinting metallics and calming green, that delivers refined grazing and elevated sides alongside choice cuts of steak.

How did you end up in Canterbury and opening herd.?

I attended Canterbury College and university before finding my first job in the city, so it felt very apt that all these years later my first restaurant endeavour should be launched in Canterbury. Me and my wife, Sam, are keen foodies and have a passion for quality, local ingredients and produce; many of our experiences and knowledge of Kent and Canterbury have influenced our choices at herd.

What have you done with the building? It’s such an interesting and historic address.

Originally opening in 1911, the building was the Canterbury Electric Cinema, and we have kept subtle nods to this fascinating history. We have two amazing antique porter’s chairs draped in cowhide at centre-stage when you first walk through the doors, and the former cinema box-office is now a speakeasy bar where guests can grab a drink while waiting for their table.

We wanted herd.’s interior design to feel opulent and inviting. Rich in tealcoloured leather, with lots of natural wood and flashes of gold, the choices pay homage to the building's history, highlighting the beautiful period features - including a floor-to-ceiling window that we uncovered during the renovation. Textured wallpaper in tones of gold complement the very contemporary but comfortable look.

What’s your restaurant's signature dish? herd. signature choice cut steaks –which include Prussian black (diamond grade) and Irish wagyu (chocolate fed).

Every dish on the menu is designed to elevate the senses. Our bespoke signature cocktails are very popular and handcrafted by our herd. mixologists. Where else would you like to open a branch of herd.? it’s hard to imagine anywhere other than Canterbury. It’s Kent’s most iconic city, but it would be fantastic to branch out, perhaps to another Kent location (or abroad in a city with a warmer climate).

What will you be doing this Christmas? herd. is an independently-owned, familyrun business. We believe our staff should spend the day itself at home celebrating with their families! We will, however, be running a Christmas menu that promises to be a festive foray into culinary delights, exquisite wines and delicious cocktails. Our new offering, Christmas at herd. - with new festive cocktail lists and a special seasonal menubegins on 30 November 2022.

Why should new customers come to herd.? herd. is a destination restaurant that brings a London-style dining experience to Canterbury.

There’s something for everyonediners can enjoy pre-theatre or lunch menus as well as dinner in the dining room, or a tempting weekend brunch and Sunday lunch menu like no other. And, where there is top quality steak, there has to be top quality wine. herd. is proud to offer an extensive New World wine list alongside acclaimed Kentish sparkling and still wines. We also have a bespoke expert-mixologistdesigned cocktail menu which can be enjoyed tableside or in the intimate ‘hide’ lounge.

So, if you are seeking an incredible dining experience in the heart of Canterbury, follow the herd. to fine dining, fine cocktails, fine wine, and good-time grazing.

01227 937467.

Cosy Club Swings into town

Tell us about Cosy Club

Philosophy…what do you do?

Cosy Club, is an opulent all-day bar and restaurant. Join us for relaxed dining and drinking in a really special setting with a touch of timeless glamour.

How many Cosy Clubs are there across the UK?

We have a total of 33 Cosy Clubs in total (our 34th opening next in Harrogate). You’ll find Cosy Clubs all around the country from down in Plymouth and all the way up to Durham.

Why come to Canterbury?

“The historic city of Canterbury has been a particularly attractive location for some time given its location in the heart of Kent. The strong retail and leisure offer of the city coupled with its world-famous Cathedral and popular universities means that it has significant appeal for tourists and locals alike. We had a unique opportunity to secure this wonderful four storey double-fronted site and bring our eccentric style and fresh, modern menu to Canterbury.”

What’s the Cosy Club signature dish?

We do not have a signature dish or drink in Cosy Club, as we love to encourage guests find their own favourites! We serve British, European and Asian dishes with a nod to North America at Brunch. Our food is classic, comforting and familiar, elevated by excellent ingredients and beautiful presentation.

Tell us about the Cosy Club style

We take pride in our interiors and love providing an immersive experience to all who visit. You’ll find that each Cosy Club interior is unique to its location and the building’s history, whilst still paying tribute to that classic 1920s sparkle and style.

What’s your Christmas Menu like?

Our Christmas Dining menu features fresh and modern festive favourites like our roast turkey & smoked bacon pie with creamy mash, maple roast carrot & parsnip, buttered sprouts & chestnuts, pig in blanket, sage & onion stuffing and red wine gravy. Finish off the celebrations with our decadent desserts, including our rich chocolate cheesecake with salted caramel and honeycomb crumb.

We also have options for larger parties and celebrations, including festive sharing feasts that can be enjoyed in our rather special private dining rooms. All our Christmas menus feature gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options so there’s something just right for everyone. Why should diners visit Cosy Club?

You’ll experience warm, welcoming service, amazing interiors and exceptional food and drinks!

Cosy Club 20-21 St Margaret’s St, Canterbury CT1 2TH. Tel: 01227 387046

cosyclub.co.uk

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per person. New Year’s Eve 6-course Gala

with band and party at £115 per person.

Siesta in the city

In our local Guides, we love to introduce you to the people behind the counters at some of Canterbury’s most long-established businesses. In this edition, we’re visiting two local families who have been in the city for decades – and for whom Christmas is a very special time!

Siesta Crafts

in Palace St has been in the city for 40 years next year. The shop is a riot of colour, textures and fabrics, selling everything from windchimes to clothing, and from jewellery to rugs – all with a distinctly South American feel, and is a key advocate of Fairtrade products. Siesta began almost by accident in the early 1980’s. One of its founders, Les Harper told us

❝ I had qualified as a teacher in 1981. Out of desperation to escape returning to my home town of Grimsby, I got a job teaching in an English school in Mexico City, where I met another recently arrived teacher at the school who was from Canterbury. She (Chris) and I have now been married over 36 years!

We were paid in Mexican pesos - but the Mexican economy was precarious and during our two years there the currency devalued, which meant that our money was worthless outside of Mexico. We decided to buy local Central American handicrafts and ship them to the UK when we returned in 1983. We returned to Chris’s home town of Canterbury and called ourselves Siesta Crafts. Our first ever venture was at a new phenomena - a ‘boot fair’ at Canterbury Cricket ground - where we sold about 5 things and barely covered our pitch fee. Undeterred, we continued to try selling our Mexican and Guatemalan handicrafts and eventually found a weekly indoor market in Canterbury.

Canterbury’s

We returned to teaching, but the selling of our handicrafts slowly became our main driving force. By 1985 we found a very small (and, importantly, very cheap) shop in Northgate and then in 1987 we made the momentous decision to abandon teaching and go for the business full time by renting our own shop at 74 Northgate. The bank refused to lend us money as the manager felt our business had “no long term potential”

Over the years we expanded into the shops next door and grew our range of goods. This was helped by someone who wandered into our shop saying that they lived in Nepal and would we like to buy anything from there? Nepal became one of our main supplier countries (and still is).

We sold goods made by small family businesses and in many cases individuals whom we knew personally, so we joined the then small British Association for Fair Trade Shops and became more active in the fledgling FairTrade movement. We visited Nepal to source new products and see for ourselves the production conditions of our suppliers. We travelled with our very young children, who were a big hit with suppliers!

By 1996 we had outgrown the Northgate premises and moved to larger premises at 1 Palace Street. We have been there over 26 years now.

We still import from Mexico and Guatemala and some of the original products sell as well, if not better now, than in 1983 - for example hand knotted friendship bracelets made by indigenous Mayan women in the highlands of Guatemala. We now buy them in thousands.

Our Nepalese connection is stronger than ever. Soon after the devastating earthquake of 2015 we discovered that our main supplier, his wife and eldest son had been killed, leaving the youngest son, Ananta, to not only cope with his grief but also to take over the business. We did what we could to help and placed orders to provide work for the staff. At the time of the earthquake he was in his twenties and coincidentally so were our childrenwho are now both involved in Siesta. A deep friendship has grown between our children. Ananta is now an important supplier for us and an important member of Fair Trade Nepal. Both of our businesses continue to work together based on deep friendship and trust.

If anyone doesn’t know our shop - or hasn’t been in it, then I would urge them to come and have a look. As we are the importers there are no extra middle men, so prices stay lower. The world is full of amazing people from many cultures who are capable of making beautiful things. We try to bring some of these things to Canterbury!”

Siesta Crafts

1 Palace Street,Canterbury CT1 2DY Tel: 01227 464614

siestacrafts.co.uk

Angels boutique 25 years of style

Angels is a much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and home boutique, trading in St Margaret’s St for 25 years.

It began as two fashion stores in Islington in 1985 before moving to Canterbury, after founder, Nick Pacoula got a tip off from his brother-in-law George (late owner of City Fish Bar) telling him that a great space had become free along the road.

Nick’s sisters were in business in Canterbury before him, so he had visited many times and was sure that Angels would work here. Nick jumped in – and they’ve been trading there ever since. Nick shares his story:

❝ We began with selling high street fashion which was a great success. Gifts, fashion accessories and silver jewellery were added as time passed. When jewellery was introduced it became apparent that there was a big customer demand for body jewellery, which led us to introduce Body Piercing – and we have never looked back. Due to customer demand prom dresses were also introduced which have been a great seller.

I attended The London School of Fashion and went to work in the fashion industry, first in manufacture and later in design. Eventually I went into the retail business.

My wife Michelle and daughter Gem are the driving force behind customer relations and the day to day running of the shop, they are simply the best at what they do! They care about giving our clients the best experience possible. Our wonderful staff are all trained in the same ways.

The best thing about Canterbury is its heritage, the cathedral and the people who make this city what it is today.

I asked everyone at the shop who they would like to see walk into the shop – they agreed on Lady Ga Ga! Personally, I would have loved to have seen fashion icon Princess Diana.

Picking something for time capsule from our shop is very difficult to choose, but I guess a piece of modern body jewellery to reflect the trend and revival of this ancient body adornment dating back to ancient Egypt. What’s our best seller? That’s too difficult to answer as our stock is continually changing, we never repeat anything when buying stock even if we sell out quickly, which is a great plus when you have repeat clients coming back and seeing new stock.

I would like to thank our clients who we have seen growing up and still see them to this day coming in with their own families all grown up, and thank the city as a whole for giving us so much in the time that we have been here.

Margarets Street, CT1 2GT

01227 479200

A HAVEN FOR PRESENTS

Find us at The Franciscan Gardens, 60 St Peter’s St, Canterbury, CT1 2BE Opening hours Mon-Sun 10am-4.30pm franciscangardens.org.uk

A historic garden attraction on the first Franciscan settlement in Britain

What’s on in in the city

11 Nov - 24 Dec

Canterbury Christmas Market

St Georges Street and Whitefriars

In addition to a fabulous selection of Christmas huts, you will find an exciting virtual reality Lapland sleigh ride, Santa Paws and ‘Letters to Santa’ workshop. ➜ canterburychristmasmarket.co.uk

12 Nov

Canterbury Christmas Light Parade

Canterbury City Centre

Come and watch this year’s Christmas display at the official switch on event, with the cast of this year’s Marlowe Panto, Christmas characters and beautiful lanterns (see p.27 for more details). ➜ canterburybid.co.uk/christmas

Sat 19 Nov and Sat 17 Dec 11-4

Westgate Hall Christmas Market Come and shop, eat and drink in all things Christmas at this local Makers Market. Buy local and unique gifts for friends and family. ➜ westgatehall.org

19 Nov - 24 Dec

Santa’s Grotto Fenwick Canterbury Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Santa is setting up his workshop in Fenwick Canterbury from Saturday the 19th of November 2022 ! Not only will you meet the man himself inside the magical grotto, but guests will also help his mischievous elves with a spot of crafting, by decorating a bespoke ceramic plate to take home, ready to top with Christmas Eve treats for Santa – plus a carrot for Rudolph, of course.

The magical grotto will be aglow every Saturday and Sunday in November and then daily throughout December (except for Mondays). The tickets are priced at £10 per person.

➜ whitefriars.co.uk/whats-on/

25 Nov – 8 Jan Sleeping Beauty

The Marlowe Theatre

Last year’s Marlowe Panto was awarded ‘Panto of the Year at the UK Panto Awards! The same, award-winning production team are in charge again, and this year’s Canterbury panto stars Ore Oduba (Strictly), West End Superstar Carrie Hope Fletcher (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella), Jennie Dale (CBeebies’ Swashbuckle), Marlowe legend, Ben Roddy and rising star, Max Fulham (Crackerjack). It may even feature a ghost bench.

➜ marlowetheatre.co.uk

26 Nov from 2pm

Canterbury Wine Tasting Circuit

Join Westgate Hall for a unique wine-tasting experience. Kent’s world-class vineyards come to the city to create a wine circuit for you to play professional sommelier! Follow Master of Wine Clive Barlow, as he leads you around a ‘Wheel of Wine’. Move around slots on the wheel, tasting two wines each from 8 local producers, learning insights and expertise as you go.

Come with friends, loved ones, or colleagues over a glass, sharing the flavour of Kent’s unparalleled wines, and savouring time with each other pre-Christmas.

➜ westgatehall.org

3 Dec 10.30-4.00

Etsy Market Westgate Hall

Come and shop for Christmas at the unique and quirky Etsy market, featuring hand crafted goods, food and drink.

➜ westgatehall.org

9-31 December

The Storm Whale

The Marlowe Theatre Studio

Noi lives with his Dad and six cats by the sea. One summer, with Dad busy at work, Noi rescues a little whale that washed up on the beach. A friendship began that changed their lives forever.

The following winter Noi’s Dad takes one last trip in his fishing boat. Noi is alone once more and longs to see his friend again. He waits and watches, watches and waits… will it take another storm to bring them back together?

Benji Davies’ tender and heartwarming children’s stories of friendship, love and courage are brought to life as one enchanting theatre show. Ages 4yrs+ ➜ marlowetheatre.co.uk

15 Dec – 2 Jan Cinderella

Malthouse Theatre

You shall go to the ball this Christmas with the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes, Cinderella! This year’s Christmas production at The Malthouse will feature stunning sets and costumes, spectacular special effects, side splitting comedy and a dazzling West End cast.

➜ malthousetheatre.co.uk

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Sat 17 Dec 17 at 7.30pm

The Albion Band

Gulbenkian – University of Kent

The Albion Christmas Show is a very popular show appealing to all ages. Expect an evening of traditional English Christmas music, humorous stories and beautiful, spine-tingling Christmas carols and ballads sung by Kellie While and Simon Nicol. After weeks of the usual Christmas shopping playlists, they can guarantee no mention of Wham, Mariah or Slade! ➜ thegulbenkian.co.uk

Mon 19 Dec

The Nutcracker

The Malthouse Theatre

The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company presents their family festive favourite, the perfect Christmas treat for all! Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel through magical lands, meet the Mouse King, Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy in the beautiful Land of Sweets. ➜ malthousetheatre.co.uk

Mon 19 Dec

Philharmonic Ensemble

The Marlowe Theatre

There’s nothing quite like the warm sound of a brass ensemble to get you in the festive spirit. Find a moment of calm and joy to hear the Philharmonia Orchestra’s brass section perform a variety of Christmas classics and festive favourites. ➜ marlowetheatre.co.uk

23 Dec and 24 Dec Cathedral Carol Services

Canterbury Cathedral

One of the highlights of the Cathedral’s year, with music and readings to tell the story of the birth of Christ in an atmospheric service with candlelight. Music is provided by the world-famous Cathedral Choir and by the singing of the traditional Christmas carols by the congregation.Both services are un-ticketed and seated on a first come first seated basis.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

24 Dec 11am Crib Service

Canterbury Cathedral

A joyful, informal service for children and families which tells the story of the birth of Jesus, with music from the Cathedral’s Boy Choristers and the singing of traditional Christmas Carols. The service lasts around 45 minutes. All welcome.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

25 Dec 11am

Christmas Day Service

Canterbury Cathedral

All are welcome to join the Most Reverend, Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and the clergy and choir of Canterbury Cathedral to celebrate the Christmas Day Eucharist.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Years.

Things change ! Please check with the venue before you travel. Correct at time of going to press.

Brought to you by

Canterbury’s Christmas Light Parade 2022

It’s time to watch the city sparkle!

Head to Canterbury city centre on Saturday 12 November (6-7pm) to enjoy this year’s Christmas Light Parade sponsored by Miles & Barr.

The festivities start with live music by Robbie White, performing with the spectacular Westgate Towers as his backdrop.

Then it’s time for the parade. Expect live music from No Limits Street Band and a whole host of Christmas characters including a GIANT Father Christmas. Enjoy beautiful lanterns (created in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University) and wave at our special guests, Canterbury’s Lord Mayor and the wonderful cast of Sleeping Beauty, this year’s Marlowe Pantomime!

KMFM Radio presenters will host the event and will be ready to welcome the parade into Whitefriars where the parade will finish. Bring along your own lanterns and fairy lights, and let’s make the city sparkle for Christmas!

Don’t forget!

While you are in town make sure to visit the fantastic Christmas Market which will be open from 10am-7pm in St Georges Street and Whitefriars.

TheROUTE: parade route startsat the Westgate Towers,move through the high street,and finish Rose Squareat Primark Balcony.

As East Kent’s leading property group, Miles & Barr is proud to support local organisations and events including this year’s Canterbury Christmas Light Parade. The independent, multi-award-winning estate agency has placed itself at the heart of its communities over the last two decades because it truly believes in ‘valuing people, not just property’.

canterburybid.co.uk/christmas

Guided Tours

Marlowe Kit

The Cathedral Quarter

The Castle Quarter

Curzon Cinema

Canterbury city centre has free Wi-Fi access

Girlings Solicitors is proud to sponsor

Gingerbread a tradition you’ll want to continue

But this wasn’t always the case

Hundreds of years ago, spices were incredibly expensive (and some, like saffron, still are to this day). As a host, if you served generously spiced food –perhaps sprinkled with cinnamon – it was a way to demonstrate your wealth. And what better way to showcase a whole collection of spices than in gingerbread?

In medieval times, gingerbread was not just about showing off to your guests. It also served a practical purpose at feasts. Gingerbread was served as a sweetmeat at the end of a meal as part of the clearing of the table between courses. By the fifteenth century the sweet course was served at the end of the meal to aid digestion and sweeten the breath.

Given gingerbread’s connection to indulgent occasions it is perhaps not surprising that it should eventually become associated with Christmas. The future Queen Victoria even gave her beloved King Charles Spaniel, Dash ‘two bits of gingerbread surrounded with branches of holly and candles’ for Christmas in 1833. Prince Albert – the queen’s consort – would dress up as Saint Nicholas and give his children gingerbread and apples for being good during the year.

Today, the ultimate Christmas gingerbread incarnation is of course the gingerbread house. It has been suggested that these edible structures originated in Germany between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Whether you’re attempting a gingerbread house or just a few gingerbread men, here’s MyCanterbury’s failsafe recipe for perfect ginger biscuits, every time.

From festively shaped biscuits to extravagantly decorated gingerbread houses, gingerbread has become a culinary staple of Christmas.

350g plain white flour

1 tsp bicarb of soda

2 tsp ground ginger (or 3 tsp if you like it stronger!)

110g butter

175g soft, light brown sugar

1 egg, beaten

4 tbsp golden syrup

Sift flour, bicarb and ginger into a bowl. Rub in the butter to fine crumbs.

Stir in the sugar. Make a well in the centre.

In another bowl, stir together the syrup and the egg Pour the syrup mix into the centre of the flour mix, and work into a fairly firm dough, then knead until smooth.

Divide mix in half and roll out mix to around 5mm thickness. Cut out your stars, gingerbread men, or Xmas shapes and place on a lightly greased tray Cook at 190 deg for 12-15 mins until golden.

Leave on the baking sheet for 2 mins, then transfer to wire rack to cool. You can punch small holes in the warm biscuits (with skewer) ready to string them with ribbon to hang on the Christmas tree when cold.

Decorate with icing, colour paste or edible glitter if desired (why not? It’s Christmas!)

Eat, enjoy, savour, share.

LILFORD GALLERY PALACE ST.

+44 (0)1227 639086

Text or WhatsApp us on +44 (0)7838 101248

3 Palace Street, Canterbury CT1 2DY

LILFORD GALLERY + FRAMING CASTLE ST.

+44 (0)1227 766616

Text or WhatsApp us on +44 (0)7838 101248

76 Castle St, Canterbury CT1 2QD

Believe in the magic ofFitzgeralds

Plan your Christmas Shopping Spree in Canterbury!

Canterbury is divided into a series of easy-to-navigate areas, each with their own distinctive character. Perfect for Christmas shopping!

St Dunstan’s & Westgate Indulge your tastebuds this Christmas in this truly foodie quarter which boasts highly regarded restaurants, cocktail bars and historic real ale pubs surrounding England’s largest surviving medieval gateway.

St Peter’s & The High Street

A feast for the eyes with plenty of shopping opportunities with national and independent businesses. Remember to stop off at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge to see Bagpuss.

The Cathedral Quarter

This quarter’s beautiful cobbled streets offer an eclectic mix of independent specialist shops, bars and restaurants, not forgetting the stunning Christmas services taking place at Canterbury Cathedral.

The King’s Mile

Filled with creative independent shops where you can buy not only unique gifts, but your Christmas cheese platter, hand crafted chocolates and so much more.

The Castle Quarter

From Roman ruins to thriving creative businesses, this area is now home to the crafters of beer, coffee, jewellery, fine art, crafts and you can even order your Christmas wreath. Whitefriars

Canterbury’s open air shopping centre is the destination for top brands and serious retail therapy. It is also the place to visit both the Christmas Market and Father Christmas!

St Dunstan’s & Westgate

St Peter’s & The High Street

The Cathedral Quarter

WhitefriarsThe Castle Quarter

The Kings Mile

Get festive at the

Christmas University of Kent parties

Celebrate in style with us this Christmas!

Enjoy festive celebrations by holding your party in our Darwin Suite and have us organise it all. From shared party nights with a 3-course meal and entertainment, to exclusive venue use for your own private festive events on our Canterbury campus.

From just £34.95 per person with drink packages, canapés and entertainment

our team today to start

your

Café St Pierre

and

be enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere

Try the typical French ‘Petit dejeuner’ served till noon

Open 7 days a week - 8am - 6pm (Sun - 9am - 5.30pm)

Outdoor seating in the wonderful garden

Take-away service available

Alan, Maria and the team

McDelivery is on the McDonald’s app!

a

A spacious, trusted, flexible venue

Events Meetings

Travel in the city

Canterbury district is served by Stagecoach South East buses, based at Canterbury City Centre in St George’s Lane CT1 2SY.

Check times, fares and more at stagecoachbus.com or download the Stagecoach Bus App

Park & Ride

You can park for £4 per day, for up to 6 people via the three following sites:

• New Dover Rd CT1 3EJ

• Wincheap, Ten Perch Rd, CT1 3TY

For more details visit canterbury.gov.uk/parkandride or call 01227 862 000

Local bus services Parking

See our map inside this guide (p28-29) to locate car parks. Here are a few insider tips to help you find cheaper parking spots:

If you plan to visit Canterbury through its original medieval gateway in the St Dunstan’s area, park at Station Road West for £1.80 per hour and walk through the Westgate Towers like visitors have done for centuries.

For those wishing to start their visit with a trip to the creative quarter on The King’s Mile you will find parking at £1.80 per hour at Northgate Car Park and a lovely walk past some of our finest independent retailers.

And finally, why not park right next to Canterbury Castle and enjoy a walk through the Castle Quarter with plenty of shops to visit and quick access to some of our premium retailers – Castle Street Multistorey charges  £1.80 per hour

For further details visit canterburygov.uk/parking or call the Visitor Information Centre on 01227 862 162

It’s the people that make Girlings different –friendly and down to earth we work hard to provide an excellent service. Our lawyers and legal advisers are acknowledged experts in their specific fields of law. We are proud of our roots in Kent – we have been successfully managing the legal affairs of commercial, family and individual clients since 1881 – and are committed to playing our part in making the county a successful place to live and work.

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