Two-day silent disco to return to Canterbury Cathedral this summer

Silent Discos in Incredible Places is returning to Canterbury Cathedral where party goers can dance to hits by Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Prince and other artists of the 1980s. The cathedral team hopes the 80s-themed event will replicate or do better than the 90s one in February, for which tickets sold out in an hour for the Friday night.

And it generated around £20,000 for the cathedral. This time there will be two events each evening on Thursday and Friday, August 15 and 16, at 6.30pm to 9pm; and 9.30pm to midnight.

The Dean of Canterbury, the Very Rev David Monteith, said: "We’re delighted to welcome back Silent Discos in Incredible Places. Our February event was hugely popular, and the overwhelming response we received was positive - one attendee wrote of the 'wonderful experience of life and connection with others in the amazing cathedral space' and that to them 'it had felt like God was in the midst'.

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Dean David said: "Whilst the Silent Disco will generate much-needed income towards the cathedral’s near £30,000 per day running costs, it is – as with the rest of our events programme – also missional, helping us to engage with our wider communities, many of whom will never have set foot in a place of worship before, and to demonstrate that regardless of background or belief, they will find a warm welcome and a special experience here."

He added: "Obviously, as was demonstrated by the media interest in our February event, and the 15 or so protestors who gathered outside on the first night, not everyone feels that a silent disco is appropriate. However, cathedrals have always been part of community life in a way much wider than their prime focus as centres of Christian worship and mission, and what we are doing is a continuation of this history."

Revellers can enjoy three different channels of music which is listened to through LED headphones. The cathedral will be illuminated inside and there will be "a limited bar offering including cocktails, mini bottles of prosecco, canned drinks and water".

Canterbury Cathedral is the "Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican communion", seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to book tickets

Tickets for the 80s Silent Disco are £25.95 (plus booking fee) for general admission, and £32.95 (plus booking fee) for VIP entry. Further details are available at Canterbury Cathedral Events. No tickets on door.

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