In our Diamond Jubilee year, we are showcasing our 60 years in the pursuit of excellence in learning, teaching and research. In September 1962, the then Christ Church College opened its doors for the first time and welcomed seventy five students wishing to become teachers in Church of England schools. Since that time, we have grown into a multi-faceted modern University with over 18,000 students, dedicated to transforming people’s lives through education and supporting the local, national and international communities we serve. To mark this occasion and to celebrate the history of our University community and everything we have achieved, we will hold a day of thanksgiving and celebration on Friday 30 September 2022.

The day will commence with a service of thanksgiving in Canterbury Cathedral commencing at 10.30am for all colleagues, students, governors, former staff, alumni, honoraries, invited stakeholders, friends and family. The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, our University Chancellor and Archbishop of Canterbury, will give the sermon. Please book your places at the service here.

The service will be followed by a celebratory reception, from approximately 12pm onwards, in Abbey Square, on our North Holmes Campus, Canterbury. There will be a Jubilee Street Party themed lunch, live music and a showcase of our University, that will include a Jubilee exhibition, archaeology exhibition of our history, prison tours and a choir concert.

We would be delighted if you were able to join us for this very special moment in the history of the University and look forward to seeing you on the day.

Click the BOOK NOW button to book for the Celebratory Reception, and click here to book for the Service of Thanksgiving.