This Place Meant - destination #6 -St Martin church, Canterbury

Part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site.

St Martin’s is the oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world, and as of 2026, the church has hosted Christian services for approximately 1,446 years.

The oldest part of St Martin’s church was built during the Roman occupation of Britain. It is uncertain whether at first the building was a church, a mausoleum, or something else. Ethelbert of Kent, who was a pagan Anglo– Saxon, restored St Martin’s for Bertha, who was a Christian princess from Tours in France and whom he married.

Anna is a composer, singer and performer based in Folkestone. Over the past ten years, working with oral histories, heritage sites and vessels has become a central part of Anna's practice. She believes that exploring the past can help people form a deeper connection with place, improving their experience of the world and providing a clearer sense of direction as they look towards the future.

Anna's solo works have previously been presented at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Screen South, Deal festival, The Gulbenkian, Electric Medway, and she also performs improvised, experimental music with performance group ‘Free Women’ and the ‘Free Range Orchestra’.

Anna is currently researching at Chatham Historic Dockyard. as part of her DYCP grant from Arts Council England to explore the use of gps and beacons in creating app based, alternative, audio guides.

Host of ‘Sing Folk’, a monthly singaround in Folkestone’s Mariner pub, for more details click HERE.

22-03-26

• 1.30pm - 2.00pm – church tour
• 2.30pm - 3.30pm - live sound

Sound Emergence is a contemplative sound practice led by André Braga-Verissimo and Sasha Maye Bruce. Their work brings together sound, heritage and community to create immersive listening experiences across Kent and beyond. They explore sound as a form of contemplation, deep listening, and collective gathering, working across art, music and history.

This event is primarily seated, though some there is some space to lie down if you wish to. Please bring:

• A mat, blanket and/or pillow (if you intend to lie down come early as limited floor space )
• A small cushion for your comfort (to seat down)
• Warm clothing (venues can be cool)

Hot and cold drinks will be available.

Please contribute according to your financial circumstances. Paying the upper tier supports the project and helps us offer lower-cost access.

Suggested contribution: £5 – £20 per place. Please book a ticket for every person in your party, including children.

A FULL SERIES ticket for This Place Meant is available for £25, allowing attendance at as many events as you wish.

Children are welcome.
The sound bath will last 50–60 minute, so It may not be suitable for very young children. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Vehicle access via North Holmes Road is southbound only (no vehicle access from A257 St Martin’s Hill).

On-street parking is available on North Holmes Road and St Martin’s Avenue.

Restrictions apply Mon-Fri 8 am-6.30 pm (pay at machine, display ticket, maximum stay 2 hours)

Visitors should be aware that due to the historical and geographic nature of the site there is very limited access for wheelchair users, due to the many steps up a steep hill with further steps inside the church. There are no ramps or lifts. Not accessible for motorised scooters.

There are currently no toilets on site - toilet access in near by place. Info provided on the day.

André works across sound, DJing, puppetry and performance.Founder & Artistic Director of Sound Emergence, he explores sound as a contemplative and communal practice, bridging art, heritage and collective listening. He has 15 years’ experience as an arts facilitator across charities, education and cultural organisations.

Sasha is Co-Lead Artist on the Soundbath Pilgrimage and the project’s Mental Health Advisor. She is a psychotherapist, sound practitioner, and body-based Pesso Boyden therapist specialising in holistic, integrative therapy. She is also a Mental Health First Aider with 15 years’ leadership experience across sectors.

Andre & Sasha Sound Emergence, part of And Gather CIC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundemergence/

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