Armed forces celebratory and commemorative events
Every year 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.
May 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion. Find out more on the British Legion website.
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.
| Date | Time | Event details | Type of event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 August | 9:45am | VJ Day Burma star Memorial, Westgate Garden, Canterbury CT1 2BQ | Public | Royal British Legion Canterbury Branch Eric Hern (Vice-Chairman) |
| 15 August | 11am | VJ Day Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
| 15 September 2024 | 5:45pm | Battle of Britain Day The RAF Memorial, The Leas, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
| 21 September 2024 | TBC | D Day Concert Ashford School, East Hill, Ashford | - | To be confirmed |
| 25 October 2024 | TBC | Civic launch of the national poppy appeal County Hall, Maidstone | By invitation | Civic Office |
| 3 November 2024 | 2pm | Dedication of Garden of Remembrance Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
| 10 November 2024 | 10:25am onwards | Remembrance Day wreath laying, service and parade Buttermarket at 10:25am | Public | Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury City Council |
| 10 November 2024 | 10:30am | Remembrance Day The War Memorial, The Leas, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
| 10 November 2024 | 10:30am | Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service County Hall to War Memorial in Broadway for Service of Remembrance, Maidstone | Public | Maidstone Borough Council mayor@maidstone.gov.uk |
| 10 November 2024 | 10:30am | Remembrance Day Parade and Service The Vine, Sevenoaks TN13 3UH | Public | Anne White |
| 10 November 2024 | 10:30am to 12:30pm | Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade Biggin Street, Dover to People of Dover War Memorial, then to Market Square | Public | Dover Town Council |
| 10 November 2024 | 11am to 2pm | Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade War Memorial, Market Street, Sandwich CT13 9DA | Public | Sandwich Town Council |
| 10 November 2024 | 2:30pm | Remembrance Sunday Swanley | - | To be confirmed. |
| 11 November 2024 | 10:50am | Armistice Day Greatness Cemetery, Seal Road, Sevenoaks TN14 5AA | Public | Anne White |
| 11 November 2024 | 11am | Remembrance Day Burgate, Canterbury CT1 2HW | Public | Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury City Council |
| 11 November 2024 | 11am | Machine Gun Corps Cheriton Road Cemetery, Folkestone | Public | Trevor Mays truckintrev@live.co.uk |