Apr
30
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Events at Rochester Cathedral
View Event →
May
1
9:00 AM09:00
Organ Tuning
We will be tuning our organ during the day. We have to do this to keep all the pipes working correctly. It can be quite loud and disruptive so we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
May
2
7:00 PM19:00
Sir Joshua Reynolds and the Bishop of Rochester
Discover more about the rarely seen Sir Joshua Reynolds painting of former Bishop of Rochester John Thomas. Professor Robin Simon will be speaking about this stunning painting of Bishop Thomas. Also on display will be a self-portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Ticketed
May
4
to May 30
Help us make dragon scales for Draco Roffensis
Take part in our community project and help us make scales for Draco Roffensis
May
4
to May 6
Sweeps Festival
Coming to Rochester for the Sweeps Festival? Pop into Rochester Cathedral over the weekend. We’ve got live music, stunning architecture and a chance to discover 1400 years of history.
May
5
to May 6
Jeremy Lloyd | Organ Recital
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Jeremy Lloyd, Assistant Director of Music at Rochester Cathedral, performs this free recital as part of the Sweeps Festival. Performances will take place on Sunday at 13:00 and Monday at 12:00 and will last 1 hour.
This is a free recital
May
7
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
May
9
10:30 AM10:30
Garden Tour
Join our Head Gardener to explore some of Rochester Cathedral’s beautiful secret and public gardens.
Ticketed
May
9
10:30 AM10:30
Restricted access
Due to high level works there may be restricted access to the Cathedral on the 9th May.
May
11
9:00 AM09:00
Cathedral closed to visitors from 1pm, Café open
We will be closed to visitors from 1pm. There may be some restrictions for access throughout the day. All services will take place as normal and the Café in the Crypt will be open.
May
13
1:00 PM13:00
Cathedral closed to visitors from 1pm, Café open
We will be closed to visitors from 1pm. All services will take place as normal and the Café in the Crypt will be open.
May
14
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
May
18
11:15 AM11:15
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
May
21
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
May
23
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
May
24
7:30 PM19:30
Elvis by Candlelight
We are ‘all shook up’ as one of the UK's leading Elvis tribute acts along with an incredible live band perform in 'Elvis by Candlelight' at Rochester Cathedral..Organised by Kinda Dusty.
Ticketed
May
25
11:15 AM11:15
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
May
27
11:00 AM11:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
May
28
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
May
29
7:30 PM19:30
Markus Eichenlaub | Organ Recital
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Markus Eichenlaub from Germany will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
May
30
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Jun
1
to Sep 21
Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon
Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon has been inspired by illuminated artwork found within the pages of Textus Roffensis.
Jun
8
10:00 AM10:00
SOLD OUT Open Garden Day
Sold Out Rochester Cathedral is opening its secret gardens to the public for one day this summer. Hidden behind the Cathedral are 3 acres of gardens. These are usually closed to the public but on the 8th June the gardens will be opened to ticket holders as part of a project to increase access to this beautiful space.
Ticketed
Jun
22
7:30 PM19:30
Queen by Candlelight
Direct from Carnegie Hall, New York and following a run of sell-out shows across the UK and Australia, join us for an incredible night of Queen Anthems, performed at Rochester Cathedral, by candlelight. Organised by Kinda Dusty.
Ticketed
Jun
26
7:30 PM19:30
Jamie Rogers | Organ Recital
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Jamie Rogers from Canterbury Cathedral will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
Jul
6
9:00 AM09:00
Cathedral closed all day, Café open all day.
We will be closed to visitors all day on the 6th July. All services will take place as usual and the Café will be open all day.
Jul
17
to Jul 18
Cathedral and Café closed to visitors all day
We will be closed to visitors all day on the 17th and 18th July. All services will take place as usual.
Jul
19
to Aug 31
Lend a Hand for Abigail's Footsteps
24 top British sports stars have collaborated with international award-winning sculptor, Louise Giblin, to have their hands life cast. The casts will go on display in the Crypt of Rochester Cathedral from the 19th July - 31st August.
Organised by Abigail’s Footsteps
Jul
24
to Jul 25
Cathedral and Café closed to visitors all day
We will be closed to visitors all day on the 24th and 25th July. All services will take place as usual.
Jul
31
7:30 PM19:30
Charles Francis | Organ Recital
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Charles Francis from the USA will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
Aug
14
10:00 AM10:00
Medway Archive Centre Stall
Find out more about Medway Archive Centre and the services offered. Medway Archives Centre aims to help everyone discover the stories of Medway’s people and places. They hold archival and published records from Medway.
Drop In
Aug
26
12:00 PM12:00
Adrian Bawtree | Organ Recital
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Adrian Bawtree will be performing at this free family friendly Organ recital inspired by Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon
This is a free recital
Sep
20
7:30 PM19:30
The Music of Adele by Candlelight
Featuring J’Adele, the UK’s leading Adele tribute and her incredible live band, ‘Rumour Has It’ that this is going to be an unforgettable evening packed full of best loved Adele Hits! Organised by Kinda Dusty.
Ticketed
Sep
25
7:30 PM19:30
Katherine Dienes-Williams | Organ Recital
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Katherine Dienes-Williams from Guildford Cathedral will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
Oct
18
9:00 AM09:00
Cathedral and Café closed to visitors all day
We will be closed to visitors all day on the 18th October. All services will take place as usual.
Nov
14
7:30 PM19:30
Jason Rebello Trio | Rochester Cathedral Jazz Festival 2024
Celebrated British Jazz pianist Jason Rebello will take to the stage on Thursday night. Inspired by Herbie Hancock he has worked with Sting, Jeff Beck, Wayne Shorter, Petter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Pee Wee Ellis, Joss Stone, Clare Teal and Ronnie Corbett.
This is one evening you won’t want to miss.
Nov
15
7:30 PM19:30
Laurence Cottle Big Band play Tower of Power | Jazz Festival 2024
Laurence Cottle pays tribute to Tower of Power who have been supplying us with 50 years of the funkiest music around.
Ticketed
Nov
16
7:30 PM19:30
Britten Sinfonia and Tim Garland's Lighthouse Trio | Jazz Festival 2024
Britten Sinfonia and Tim Garland's Lighthouse Trio with featured soloist Thomas Gould are closing our 2024 Jazz Festival in style. This very special concert celebrates the trios 20th anniversary and stars the Britten Sinfonia.
Ticketed
Apr
26
7:30 PM19:30
The Sixteen: The Choral Pilgrimage 2024
Celebrating the art of imitation, our 2024 Choral Pilgrimage explores music from the master of parody, Orlande de Lassus, alongside works by Josquin, Casulana and Bob Chilcott.
Apr
25
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Apr
24
7:30 PM19:30
Jeremy Lloyd | Organ Recital
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Jeremy Lloyd, Assistant Director of Music at Rochester Cathedral, opens our 2024 Organ Festival series.
Tickets available online
Apr
23
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Apr
22
8:00 AM08:00
Restricted access to Nave and Quire throughout day
Due to activities within the Cathedral there will be restricted access to the Nave and the Quire throughout the day. We apologise for any disappointment caused.
Apr
17
to Apr 18
The Best of Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated
Sold Out
An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinema's most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by light!
Apr
15
10:00 AM10:00
Dementia Awareness Day
All are welcome to join us for our Dementia Awareness Day. Suitable for those living with or supporting those with dementia
Apr
15
10:00 AM10:00
Café opening at 11am
The Café in the Crypt will be open at 11am on the 15th April. We apologise for any disappointment caused.
Apr
11
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Apr
10
11:00 AM11:00
Quire closed to visitors for wedding
We are delighted to be hosting a wedding in our Quire. During the service it will not be possible to visit the Quire but the rest of the Cathedral will remain open.
Apr
9
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Apr
5
to Apr 6
Thank You For The Music - The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA
Second night added due to unprecedented demand
This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 20th year, with a brand-new show for 2023 combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast.
Friday 5th and Saturday 6th @ 7.30pm
Apr
4
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Apr
4
to Apr 12
Family Activities this Easter
Join us at Rochester Cathedral over the Easter Holidays for family activities.
Make an Easter Cross Bookmark: 4th April 13:30-15:30, 8th April 11:00-13:00 (Free, donations welcome)
Brass Rubbing: 11th and 12th April 13:30-15:00 (£1)
Cathedral Safari and Eagle Eye trails are available daily.
Apr
2
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Mar
31
5:30 AM05:30
Easter Day Services
Join us on Easter Day. Services are free and open to all to attend.
05:30 The Easter Liturgy with baptisms and confirmations
08:00 Holy Communion (BCP)
10:30 The Eucharist of Easter Day
15:15 Solemn Evensong, Procession and Blessing of the Easter Garden
Mar
29
10:00 AM10:00
Café closed all day
The Café in the Crypt will be closed all day on Good Friday. We apologise for any disappointment caused.
Mar
29
9:30 AM09:30
Good Friday Services
09:30 Choral Mattins
Three Hours’ Devotion:
12:00 Preaching the Cross
13:45 The Liturgy of Good Friday
Mar
28
10:30 AM10:30
Maundy Thursday Services
10:30 The Chrism Eucharist
20:00 The Liturgy of Maundy Thursday
Mar
28
9:00 AM09:00
Cathedral closed to visitors until 2pm
Due to Holy Week services the Cathedral is closed to visitors until 2pm today. All are welcome to attend our services.
Mar
26
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Mar
25
to Mar 27
Service of reflection with readings, prayer and music for Holy Week
Takes place Monday to Wednesday at 17:30
Mar
24
8:00 AM08:00
Palm Sunday Services
08:00 Holy Communion
10:30 The Liturgy of Palm Sunday (procession from La Providence)
15:15 Choral Evensong
Mar
23
11:15 AM11:15
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Mar
23
to Apr 4
Come Eat with Me
Presented by Spirit Arts
This Installation-Exhibition takes as its inspirational starting point the renowned Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting
Returning by popular demand. Please note this exhibition will be in the aisle from the 23rd March - 4th April not the Nave as shown in the picture.
Mar
22
11:00 AM11:00
Quire closed to visitors for wedding
We are delighted to be hosting a wedding in our Quire. During the service it will not be possible to visit the Quire but the rest of the Cathedral will remain open.
Mar
21
2:00 PM14:00
Guided Tour
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Mar
20
9:00 AM09:00
Nave closed for school service, Quire and Café open
The Nave will be closed for a school service. This includes the Peter Marlowe exhibition. The Quire and Café will remain open and all services will take place as normal.
Mar
19
to Apr 2
Peter Marlow: The English Cathedral
The English Cathedral, the ambitious photographic project documenting all 42 of England’s Anglican cathedrals by the late Magnum photographer Peter Marlow will come to Rochester Cathedral in March 2023
Mar
13
9:00 AM09:00
Organ Tuning
We will be tuning our organ during the day. We have to do this to keep all the pipes working correctly. It can be quite loud and disruptive so we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
