Saturday 7 June 2025 – Aylesford Priory
What you need to know
Click here for the day’s schedule
Where + how to get there
The Friars at Aylesford – by coach if your parish is having one, car (ME20 7BY) or train (20 min walk from Aylesford Station; or taxi from Maidstone East).
Click below to check the map
When
Arrivals 10 am – Activities from 10.30 am – Closing Mass 3 pm – Ends 5 pm.
Who
Everyone is welcome, from young to old. Activities for all ages – see overleaf – most of them wheelchair accessible (and there will be accessible toilets). We hope that the Closing Mass will be signed.
No need to book…
… except for 90-minute ministry sessions for KS1/2 children and KS3/4 young people – book for them at aec.rcaos.org.uk/jubileecelebration – places limited
… also email jubilee@rcaos.org.uk to book a disabled car parking space.
No charge…
The Celebration Day is free, but there may be a charge for your parish coach. There will be a (cash) Offertory Collection for The Friars at the Closing Mass.
What to bring… and take home
It’s a mainly outdoor event, including Mass outdoors. There is limited seating (except for the main Shrine area, where eating is not permitted) and limited cover from the rain. So, depending on the weather forecast, come prepared for sunshine or rain (or both!) – with a chair or mat for sitting on, if you’re not keen on sitting on the floor for lunch. No dogs except guide dogs. And please take your litter home!
Talking of lunch
You are welcome to bring a packed lunch and drinks with you; but no private barbeques are permitted. Alternatively, you might decide to take advantage of Aylesford Priory’s food and drink outlets (note: there might be long queues).
- Tearoom – open from 10am-5pm, with hot and cold food e.g. jacket potatoes, pastries, soup, sandwiches, cakes, confectionery, ice cream
- Pilgrims’ Hall – open from 10am-2:30pm for hot food; advisable to book in advance (call 01622 717272). Tearoom + Pilgrims’ Hall offer options for vegans, gluten free, vegetarians, etc, with an allergen book on both sites
- Aylesford Priory barbeque – operating from 11am-1.30pm (times to be confirmed) and Refreshment Kiosk (tea, coffee, ice cream). We are also planning to have a (free) water table.
Finally
Sadly, we also have to warn you of the risk of pickpockets and other criminality: so please take care of your phones and other belongings; and keep cars locked, with nothing of any value in sight.