Peterborough – Katherine of Aragon Festival

Treasures commemorated as Peterborough Cathedral invites visitors to step back in time to the Tudors. 

Katherine of Aragon Festival begins at Peterborough Cathedral

Peterborough Cathedral is inviting visitors of all ages to step back in time as it commemorates and celebrates one of its most famous treasures at its annual Katherine of Aragon Festival this weekend.

The Festival speaker this year is Professor Theresa M Earenfight of Seattle University, who will give an online talk about how objects associated with Katharine of Aragon – baby blankets, shoes, portraits and clothing – can tell us more about her.

This takes place online via Zoom on Thursday 26th January at 7.30pm (UK time) and tickets are £7 per viewing.

The Festival gets underway on Friday morning when wreaths will be laid on Katherine’s tomb following a Commemoration Service that marks the start of the Festival hosted by Peterborough Cathedral and Peterborough Museum.

Cathedral open evening later that evening begins as Henry VIII, Katharine of Aragon and numerous courtiers arrive in their period costumes. The reenactors, from Regal Rose Historical Portrayal, will represent members of King Henry’s Court, including Thomas Cromwell and Queen Katharine’s most trusted lady in waiting, Maria de Silenas.

Visitors can drop in to explore the Cathedral with quiet music playing, take photos, chat to the reenactors and local volunteer guides, and reflect on Katharine’s faith in God during difficult times. At 8.30pm the open evening will conclude with the  sung monastic service of Compline at 9pm.

Festival events over the weekend allow families to go back in time with the re-enactors on hand to tell their stories, follow in the footsteps of the Tudors with Tudor tours and walks, the Cathedral Choir will sing Vespers, a form of service familiar to the Tudor Court and include music from that time, and there’s a host of activities for children from craft making to meeting the King and courtiers and a special Family Service for children to commemorate Katherine.

 For more information and all booking links, please click here.