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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
8 May 2025 | 7:30pm | VE Day 80 - Beacon lighting Bandstand, The Leas, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
6 June 2025 | 11am | D-Day (NVA) Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
28 June 2025 | 12pm | Armed Forces Day The Leas, Folkestone | Private | Vicky Deakin vicky.deakin@folkestone-tc.gov.uk |
1 July 2025 | 11am | Canada Day Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
15 August 2025 | 11am | VJ Day Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
15 September 2025 | 5:45pm | Battle of Britain Day The RAF Memorial, The Leas, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
2 November 2025 | 2pm | Dedication of Garden of Remembrance Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
9 November 2025 | 10:30am | The War Memorial, The Leas, Folkestone | Public | Georgina Wilson |
11 November 2025 | 11am | Machine Gun Corps Cheriton Road Cemetery, Folkestone | Public | Neil Jones neil.jones.mbcs@gmail.com |