Armed forces celebratory and commemorative events

There are a variety of events throughout the year and across the county celebrating Kent’s military heritage and commemorating the service of men and women in our armed forces throughout history.

To mark 100 years since the start of World War 1, a timeline of Kent's residents' first-hand experiences in the First World War was created by volunteers using the archives at the Kent History and Archive Centre.

The Step Short Memorial, a memorial arch in Folkestone, was opened by Prince Harry in 2014 to remember the millions of men who passed through the Harbour on their way to battle.

Events calendar

If you know about a significant event that is happening, contact civic.office@kent.gov.uk.

May 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion. Find out more on the British Legion website.

DateTime Event details Type of eventContact 
20 June 202310:15Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony
 
County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XQ
Public and invite

Civic Office

civic.office@kent.gov.uk

25 June 202310:30Armed Forces Week Drumhead Service

Deal Pier Apron Entrance, Beach Street, Deal CT14 6HZ
Public and private

RBL Downs Branch VC
Malcolm Gibbons

gibbonsrsrbl@gmail.com

07510 187 931

25 June 2023 To be confirmed Armed Forces Day

The Leas, Folkestone
Public Vicky Deakin
vicky.deakin@folkestone-tc.gov.uk
30 June 2023 11am Canada Day

Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, Folkestone
Public Toni Brenchley
toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk
15 August 2023 11am VJ Day

Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone
Public Toni Brenchley
toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk
12 September 202311am -  1:30pmKCC reservist event

County Hall, Maidstone
TBC

Civic Office

civic.office@kent.gov.uk

15 September 20235:45pmBattle of Britain Day

The RAF Memorial, The Leas, Folkestone
Public Toni Brenchley
toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk
5 November 2023

2pm
2pmDedication of Garden of Remembrance

Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone
Public Toni Brenchley
toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk
11 November 202311amMachine Gun Corps

Cheriton Road Cemetery, Folkestone
Public Trevor Mays
truckintrev@live.co.uk
11 November 20232:30pmRemembrance Day

Swanley Town Centre, Swanley BR8 7TL
Public

Toni Roast

troast@swanleytowncouncil.gov.uk

01322 665 855

13 November 202310:30amRemembrance Sunday

The War Memorial, The Leas, Folkestone
Public Folkestone Town Council
toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk