Historic Christmas Market returns to Canterbury Cathedral after 200 years
The market hasn't taken place in Canterbury Cathedral grounds since 1813
Canterbury Cathedral holding a Christmas market at its grounds for the first time in more than 200 years.
The festivities within the cathedral precincts date back to 1383 following a royal grant by King Richard II, before it was shut down in 1813 over concerns of "indecency and tumultuous conduct".
The traditional market with German-style wooden huts opened on Friday (15th November) as an extension of the city's Christmas festivities.
Food and drink are available at the market, which also offers a vintage carousel ride, live music and Saturday carol services for shoppers.
A Canterbury Cathedral spokesman said: "After a break of over 200 years, we're excited to welcome the historic Christmas market back to the cathedral precincts, and to revive this centuries-old tradition for new generations.
"We hope that the return of the cathedral Christmas market - an extension to Canterbury's existing much-loved festive city-centre market - will help make what is already one of the most magical festive shopping experiences in the country, a cornerstone of everyone's annual celebrations."
The city is extending its Christmas markets to St George's Street and Whitefriars shopping centre, and offering late-night shopping on November 27.
Canterbury's business improvement district chief executive, Lisa Carlson, said: "This is a really key time of year for our business community, of which over 68% are independent, so we hope to see lots of people making a beeline for Canterbury over the coming weeks."