An annual pageant which sees a king pay penance for his role in the death of Thomas Becket, who died 850 years ago this year, will be staged online this weekend.

Canterbury's Medieval Pageant and Trail would usually have brought crowds out on the city's streets to watch the red carpet rolled out for King Henry II and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, with parades, characters on horseback and a procession.

It sees Henry pay penance for his role in the saint's death, which had also been due to be marked with a series of events throughout this year for Becket 2020.

But due to the coronavirus outbreak, the event will instead see craft activities, virtual tours and competitions through the day on Saturday, July 4 between noon and 5pm.

In a statement on the Facebook page organisers said: "In light of the coronavirus pandemic and in support of social distancing, this decision was necessary, as the safety of our performers, creators, visitors and residents is paramount. The Medieval Pageant and Family Trail will return on Saturday, July 3, 2021, even bigger and better than ever.

"We know that a lot of you will be keen to celebrate the city’s heritage and culture and we have decided that we will still proceed with a virtual celebration. So, we will be posting plenty of content with various surprises and activities which you can all get involved with.

"We look forward to celebrating with you virtually this year and in person in 2021."

To join in and see the activities go to the Facebook page here.

A vestment worn by Becket had also been due to go on show at Canterbury Cathedral this weekend but Becket 2020 events have been postponed until the end of the year, and are now likely to begin on December 29 with Canterbury Cathedral's Martyrdom of Thomas Becket Choral Evensong, and to continue throughout 2021. Find out more here.

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