With just under two weeks to go, anticipation is building for the city’s annual Katharine of Aragon Festival, taking place at Peterborough Cathedral and in partnership with Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery from 24th January to 1st February. The festival celebrates the life and legacy of one of Tudor England’s most influential queens with a packed programme of events alongside a range of drop-in, family-friendly activities and services.
At Peterborough Cathedral, the final resting place of Katharine of Aragon, visitors are invited to attend a special Commemoration and Wreath Laying service, reflecting on her faith, strength and lasting legacy on Friday 30th January at 11am. Other services on this day include Roman Catholic Mass at 8.30am, Vespers at 5.30pm and Compline at 9.30pm, part of the ancient Divine Office which would have once marked the end of the monks’ day here at Peterborough Abbey.
Families will be especially well catered for across the festival, with a variety of drop-in events running throughout. These include Tudor craft sessions for children and families on:
Saturday 31st January, 11.15am – 2.30pm and
Sunday 1st February, 1pm.
Furthermore, there will be two opportunities to encounter the Tudor court in full authentic costume on:
Saturday 31st January, 11.15 – 2.30pm
Sunday 1st February, 12.30pm
Both events operate on a donation basis with no booking required and offer a colourful and immersive insight into Tudor life. Families are also invited to complete the Katharine Trail on their visit to discover key moments in Katharine’s story throughout the building. Just ask at the welcome desk!
Alongside the Cathedral programme, Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery will be hosting a number of exciting festival activities, talks and workshops adding further opportunities to explore Tudor history through engaging events and experiences in the heart of the city.
Why not a make a Tudor day of it!
***A suggested donation of £5pp is invited for drop-in events to help us cover the costs of running our beautiful Cathedral***
For full programme details and timings, visit Peterborough Cathedral and Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery websites:
Katharine of Aragon Festival 2026 – Peterborough Cathedral
Katharine of Aragon Festival 2023 – Museum & Art Gallery
***Please send all press enquiries/interview requests to headofcomms@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk***