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.

80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day

2025 will mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day on 8 May and 15 August. It's an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth, through a series of national and local events and activities.

If you're planning on having a street party, attaching lightweight bunting or flags to our streetlights you need to apply for permission. See what to do.

100 years since World War 1

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

Email civic.office@kent.gov.uk if you know about a significant event that is happening.

DateTimeEvent detailsType of eventContact
1 to 10 May 2025-Special VE 80 exhibition

Gravesend Library
PublicFind out more about the Special VE 80 exhibition at Gravesend Library
8 to 10 May 202510:30am to 3:30pm dailyVE Day in Maidstone

Town Hall, Maidstone
PublicAnn-Marie Langley

annmarielangley@maidstone.gov.uk
10 May 20257:15pm to 9:30pmVE Day 80 Anniversary Concert and Service of Remembrance

All Saints Church, Mill Street, Maidstone ME15 6YE
PublicAnn-Marie Langley

annmarielangley@maidstone.gov.uk
11 May 202510am to 5pmVE Day 80

Fort Gardens, Commercial Place, Gravesend DA12 2BH
PublicGravesham Borough Council

danielle.lock@gravesham.gov.uk
18 May 202511am to 4pmVictory in Europe Day

Central Park, Market Street, Dartford DA1 1EU
PublicDartford Borough Council

leisure.services@dartford.gov.uk
6 June 202511amD-Day (NVA)

Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone 
Public

Georgina Wilson

Georgina.wilson@folkestone-tc.gov.uk

1 July 202511amCanada Day

Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, Folkestone 
Public

Georgina Wilson

Georgina.wilson@folkestone-tc.gov.uk

15 August 202511amVJ Day

Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone 
Public

Georgina Wilson

Georgina.wilson@folkestone-tc.gov.uk

15 August 202511amVJ Day 80 Remembrance

War Memorial, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells
PublicMayor’s Office

mayor@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
15 August 20258:30pm to 10pmVJ Day Beacon Lighting

Tonbridge Castle, Castle Street, Tonbridge TN9 1BG
PublicTonbridge and Malling Council

events@tmbc.gov.uk
15 September 20255:45pmBattle of Britain Day

The RAF Memorial, The Leas, Folkestone 
Public

Georgina Wilson

Georgina.wilson@folkestone-tc.gov.uk

2 November 20252pmDedication of Garden of Remembrance

Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, Folkestone 
Public

Georgina Wilson

Georgina.wilson@folkestone-tc.gov.uk

9 November 202510:30amThe War Memorial, The Leas, FolkestonePublic

Georgina Wilson

Georgina.wilson@folkestone-tc.gov.uk

11 November 202511amMachine Gun Corps

Cheriton Road Cemetery, Folkestone
PublicNeil Jones

neil.jones.mbcs@gmail.com