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Canterbury Cathedral’s silent disco to only raise £10,000 for institution
13:31, 29 February 2024
updated: 17:44, 29 February 2024
A controversial silent disco at Canterbury Cathedral may wind up bringing in just £10,000 – as bosses admit it’s not certain another one could be held.
The sell-out event, which took place earlier in February over two nights at the Canterbury landmark, proved to be hugely divisive amongst Christians.
Cathedral officials argued the event would bring in much-needed revenue to the coffers whilst also enticing a younger crowd to engage more in religion.
Some 3,000 tickets were sold for £30 each, however, after costs, it is expected the Cathedral will only bring in between £10,000 and £12,000.
And a question mark now hangs over whether similar events will be held in the Cathedral in the future.
Critics of the scheme accused the event of being an “alcohol-fuelled rave” and vowed to continue to rally against any plans which would see holy sites turned into temporary dancefloors.
Dr Cajetan Skowronski told KentOnline: “While respectful of our right to protest, the Dean was dismissive of our petition, stating that we were an extreme minority - for not wanting an alcohol-fuelled rave to the music of Eminem in God's house.
“If we do not resist, our ancient temples will become nightclubs on a regular basis, and the Christian faith in this country will be further diminished.”
With 3,000 spectators across the two-day event, reviews were mostly positive from partygoers.
A KentOnline review found the disco to be “a pretty tasteful and inoffensive night”.
“It was a good night – and I hope the Cathedral hosts another one soon,” added the reviewer.
Officials from the landmark have maintained reception to the event was “overwhelmingly positive”.
A spokesperson for the Cathedral said: “The figures are yet to be confirmed but we estimate that the silent disco will generate much-needed income to the Cathedral of between £10,000-£12,000 after costs.
“A decision hasn’t yet been made as to whether or not we’ll offer a similar event in the future.”
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