Canterbury’s fascinating medieval history will be brought to life in a spectacular pageant and day of activities on Saturday (July 6).

It is the fourth Medieval Pageant and Trail organised by the Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) and even features "royal" visitors.

Arriving to a fanfare will be King Henry II and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine to pay penance for his role in the murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett.

Queen Eleanor, taking centre stage, is still held as a feminist icon who created the Courts of Love and was the only Queen to go on crusade.

Canterbury recently featured in a new BBC history series, Britain’s Most Historic Towns, and was described by presenter Prof Alice Roberts as “Britain’s most Plantagenet city.”

The event will include historical characters, re-enactment groups, giants, knights on horses and other activities in the Westgate Gardens from 11am.

There will be two free performances, a parade through the city centre and an afternoon of historic trail activities at 16 venues.

Last year’s event saw 5,000 enjoy the parade and 4,000 visits for the trail venues.

This year the trails feature medieval architecture, Roman walls, the head of a saint, a relic of Becket and the largest surviving medieval gateway in England, providing a truly atmospheric time.

Visitors can also try their hand at activities including archery, a knight’s school and jewellery and badge making.

Canterbury BID chief executive Lisa Carlson said: “We are truly delighted to be bringing the Medieval Pageant back to Canterbury as it is a fantastic celebration of our city’s rich cultural history.

“We also know the event attracts such a huge influx of visitors and inspires people, local and beyond, to linger longer in the city and visit the many wonderful shops and restaurants Canterbury has to offer.”

The Medieval Pageant is part of the BID’s funding for events and festivals that have brought more than 285,000 people to the city over the last five years.

They include Pride Canterbury, Canterbury Festival, Canterbury Vegan Market, Wise Words, City Sound Project, bOing! In the City and Canterbury’s Shakespeare Festival, as well as the Medieval Pageant.

For more information go to canterburymedievalpageant.co.uk and you can collect your free trail leaflet at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge.

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