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 a significant event that is missing, contact civic.office@kent.gov.uk.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all VE Day 75 year celebrations due to be held in May 2020 and Armed Forces Day were cancelled or held virtually. Organisers hope to reschedule the cancelled events later in the year.
Here are some videos of virtual events that were held to celebrate VE Day.
We held a virtual flag raising ceremony on 22 June at 10am to mark the start of Armed Forces Week. Watch a video of the flag raising ceremony.
During the week, we will celebrate the role played by Reservists on 24 June, the Cadets on 26 June, culminating in a very big 'thank you' on the 27 June for all. Updates will be shared across social media channels.
| Date and time | Event details | Type of event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 June 2020 11am | D-Day Garden of Remembrance Sandgate Road Folkestone CT20 2DA This event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. | Public | Toni Brenchley toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk |
| 22 June 2020 12:30pm | Armed Forces Day - Flying the Flag Community Square Gravesend This event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. | Public | To be confirmed |
| 22 June 2020 10am | Armed Forces Day Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this event will now be taking place virtually. | Public | Civic Office civic.office@kent.gov.uk |
| 27 June 2020 11am to 4pm | Armed Forces Day Swanley Recreation Ground St Mary's Road Swanley Kent BR8 7BU This event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. | Public | Toni Roast |
| 28 June 2020 11am | Armed Forces Day This event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. | Public | Vicky Deakin vicky.deakin@folkestone-tc.gov.uk |
| Date and time | Event details | Type of event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2020 11am | Canada Day Shorncliffe Military Cemetery Folkestone TN27 9DS This event is invitation only, following social distancing measures. | Public | Toni Brenchley toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk |
| 11 July 2020 11am | Armed Forces Day The Town Hall High Street Hythe CT21 5JU This event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. | Public | Terry Reene |
There are no events planned for August.
| Date and time | Event details | Type of event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
15 September 2020 5:45pm | Battle of Britain Day The RAF Memorial The Leas Folkestone CT18 7JJ | Public | Toni Brenchley toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk |
| 26 and 27 September 2020 Various times throughout the day | Hope and Glory, Wartime Re-lived Fort Gardens Gravesham DA12 2BH | Public | To be confirmed |
There are no events planned for October.
| Date and time | Event details | Type of event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 November 2020 2pm | Dedication of Garden of Remembrance Garden of Remembrance Sandgate Road Folkestone CT20 2DA | Public | Toni Brenchley toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk |
8 November 2020 10:30am | Remembrance Sunday The War Memorial The Leas Folkestone CT18 7JJ | Public | Toni Brenchley toni.brenchley@folkestone-tc.gov.uk |
| 8 November 2020 10:30am | Remembrance Day The Town Hall High Street Hythe CT21 5JU | Public | Hythe Town Council Terry Reene 01303 266152terry.reene@hythe-tc.gov.uk |
| 11 November 2020 11am | Machine Gun Corps Cheriton Road Cemetery Folkestone CT20 1DF | Public | Trevor Mays truckintrev@live.co.uk |
| 11 November 2020 11am | Remembrance Service Community Square Gravesend DA12 1AT | Public | To be confirmed |
There are no events planned for December.