What’s On

Rochester Cathedral has a vibrant programme of concerts, exhibitions and activities throughout the year. There is something for everyone.

We publish information about our upcoming events here and on our social media pages.

On occasion, Rochester Cathedral is closed for large events or services. Please check for any upcoming closures here

 

Coming soon at Rochester Cathedral

Upcoming events
The Sixteen: The Choral Pilgrimage 2024
Apr 26
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.

Organ Tuning
May 1
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.

Sir Joshua Reynolds and the Bishop of Rochester
May 2
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

Sweeps Festival
May 4
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.

2024 Highlights

Don't miss in 2024
Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon
Jun 1
Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon

Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon has been inspired by illuminated artwork found within the pages of Textus Roffensis.

SOLD OUT Open Garden Day
Jun 8
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

Music at Rochester Cathedral

Events input
The Sixteen: The Choral Pilgrimage 2024
Apr 26
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.

Sweeps Festival
May 4
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.

Jeremy Lloyd | Organ Recital
May 5
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

Elvis by Candlelight
May 24
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

Markus Eichenlaub | Organ Recital
May 29
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

Queen by Candlelight
Jun 22
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

Jamie Rogers | Organ Recital
Jun 26
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

Charles Francis | Organ Recital
Jul 31
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

Exhibitions

Events input
Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon
Jun 1
Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon

Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon has been inspired by illuminated artwork found within the pages of Textus Roffensis.

Lend a Hand for Abigail's Footsteps
Jul 19
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

Family Activities

Tours and Talks

Come on a guided tour of Rochester Cathedral or come along to a talk.

Events input
Guided Tour
Apr 30
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

Sir Joshua Reynolds and the Bishop of Rochester
May 2
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

Guided Tour
May 7
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

Garden Tour
May 9
Garden Tour

Join our Head Gardener to explore some of Rochester Cathedral’s beautiful secret and public gardens.

Ticketed

Guided Tour
May 14
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

Guided Tour
May 18
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

Guided Tour
May 21
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

Guided Tour
May 23
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

Guided Tour
May 25
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

Guided Tour
May 27
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

Guided Tour
May 28
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

Guided Tour
May 30
Guided Tour

Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.

How to get here for an event

Rochester Cathedral has good transport links with Kent, London and the South East. We are situated just outside London. Rochester Station is just five minutes walk from the Cathedral and the train takes just 35 minutes from Central London. Find out how to get here on our visiting information page