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.
Date | Time | Event details | Type of event | Contact | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 June 2023 | 10:15 | Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XQ | Public and invite | Civic Office | |
25 June 2023 | 10:30 | Armed Forces Week Drumhead Service Deal Pier Apron Entrance, Beach Street, Deal CT14 6HZ | Public and private | RBL Downs Branch VC | |
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 2023 | 11am - 1:30pm | KCC reservist event County Hall, Maidstone | TBC | Civic Office | |
15 September 2023 | 5:45pm | Battle of Britain Day The RAF Memorial, The Leas, Folkestone | Public |
Toni Brenchley toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk | |
5 November 2023 2pm | 2pm | Dedication of Garden of Remembrance Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone | Public |
Toni Brenchley toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk | |
11 November 2023 | 11am | Machine Gun Corps Cheriton Road Cemetery, Folkestone | Public |
Trevor Mays truckintrev@live.co.uk | |
11 November 2023 | 2:30pm | Remembrance Day Swanley Town Centre, Swanley BR8 7TL | Public | Toni Roast | |
13 November 2023 | 10:30am | Remembrance Sunday The War Memorial, The Leas, Folkestone | Public |
Folkestone Town Council toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk |