Canterbury Event and Catering Equipment Hire
Canterbury is a historic cathedral city with a busy and varied events scene, drawing on its UNESCO World Heritage status, two universities and a strong local economy. Canterbury Cathedral is the centrepiece of the city and hosts civic dinners, charity receptions and formal events in its precincts. The Marlowe Theatre on The Friars is a modern, 1,200-seat venue used for conferences, award evenings and corporate hire. Further afield, the Kent Event Centre at the Kent Showground in nearby Detling is one of the South East's largest event spaces, hosting agricultural shows, exhibitions and large-scale dinners throughout the year. Howletts Wild Animal Park near Bekesbourne provides an unusual outdoor setting for corporate events and private functions. The University of Kent at Canterbury and Canterbury Christ Church University both run significant events programmes, including graduation ceremonies, academic conferences and campus-based celebrations.
Equipment Available for Canterbury Events
Expo Hire stocks a full range of event furniture and catering equipment, available for short-term hire across Canterbury and the surrounding area. All items are delivered clean, in good condition and ready to use.
- Chair hire — chiavari chairs, folding chairs, banqueting chairs, conference chairs and bar stools
- Table hire — round banqueting tables, trestle tables, poseur tables and rectangular folding tables
- Linen hire — tablecloths in a range of colours, napkins and chair covers with sashes
- Crockery hire — dinner plates, side plates, bowls and cups with saucers
- Glassware hire — wine glasses, champagne flutes, tumblers and water jugs
- Catering equipment — chafing dishes, bain maries, hot cupboards, water urns and serving equipment
For events at large venues such as the Kent Event Centre, where quantities can run into hundreds of chairs and tables, Expo Hire can supply complete packages with coordinated delivery.
Delivery to Canterbury
Delivery and collection from £40. Expo Hire delivers seven days a week to Canterbury and the surrounding postcodes, including Whitstable, Faversham, Herne Bay, Sandwich, Ashford and Sittingbourne. Delivery charges are calculated by distance from the depot at point of checkout.
The Kent Event Centre at Detling has ample loading access and is well suited to large deliveries. For events within the Canterbury city centre, including those at the Marlowe Theatre and near the Cathedral, the team can advise on access and delivery windows when you place your order.
Events Served in Canterbury
Expo Hire supplies equipment for a broad range of events in Canterbury and the surrounding area:
- Corporate dinners, awards ceremonies and gala events
- Exhibitions, agricultural shows and large-scale dinners at the Kent Event Centre, Detling
- Graduation ceremonies and academic conferences at the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University
- Weddings and wedding receptions at hotels, historic barns and licensed venues across Kent
- Charity fundraisers and black-tie balls
- Corporate and private events at Howletts Wild Animal Park
- School proms and end-of-year celebrations
- Private parties and milestone birthday events
Canterbury's events calendar is driven by its tourism trade and academic calendar, with graduation season in the summer and the Christmas period producing the heaviest demand. The Kent Event Centre generates year-round business across the wider county.
How to Order
Check availability and pricing on the Expo Hire website. Add items to your basket, select your delivery and collection dates, and place your order online. Expo Hire will deliver on your chosen date and return to collect once your event is over. For large or complex orders, call the team to discuss your requirements. See the how to order page for full details.
