26/03/2025
We’re very sad to share that there will be no Canterbury City Show in 2025.
This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but ultimately, the funding simply isn’t there to deliver the event this year. As many of you know, the Canterbury City Show has always been a completely free, non-profit celebration of our city, designed to give local charities, organisations, and community groups a platform to shine without cost or barrier. None of the team behind it take a penny; every pound goes into making it happen.
But it does cost thousands of pounds to put on, and without support, we just can’t make it work. Last year, we received no funding from the council, and unfortunately, there are no funding opportunities available for us again this year. Local businesses are facing increased pressures, particularly around rising costs and changes to national insurance, making it harder for them to contribute. Our local universities, too, are feeling the strain. It’s a tough time out there for everyone.
So rather than try to push through and deliver something that wouldn’t reflect the spirit of the show, we’ve made the decision to pause.
But, and this is important, the Canterbury City Show isn’t over.
We fully intend to return in 2026, and we’re optimistic that the financial situation will have improved by then, so that we can come back stronger, brighter, and ready to bring the community together once more in Westgate Gardens.
We know this will be disappointing to many, and we share that disappointment deeply. It’s becoming harder and harder to run meaningful community events in Canterbury. Events are expensive and, ironically, not very profitable—yet they bring so much joy, pride, and togetherness. Too often, that value isn’t recognised by those with the power to support them. We hope that changes.
Thank you for all your support so far, and we’ll see you in 2026.
