November 11th 2018 marks the signing of the Armistice, and in turn the end of the horror that was World War One. From learning about the war, to church services and plays based on soldiers on the Front Line, throughout November Kent will host various events at which you can remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Read on to find out where and when you can get involved.
Home versus Front Line
Rudyard Kipling is one of England’s most famous authors, winning a Nobel prize in 1907 and known for innovating the short story. However a fact that is lesser known is that his son John was sent to battle in France and died in the Battle of Loos. Bringing this devastatingly true and tragic story to life, The Tower Theatre in Folkestone will host ‘My Boy Jack’ from the 8th to the 10th November. Hero and tragedy in Folkestone
Rochester Cathedral
Choral song is often used to provoke reflection and demand your attention to pause for thought. Rochester Cathedral is holding an evening concert led by the Rochester Choral Society, who will feature alongside the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra. Performing Britten's War Requiem, works by World War One poet Wilfred Owen, alongside words from the Missa pro Defunctis, this will be a powerful remembrance event on Saturday 17th November. Poetic performances in Rochester
Cascading poppies on the Towers
Dating from 1380, the Westgate Towers in Canterbury already hold a fair amount of history, however to mark the centenary, there will be a display of bright red poppies cascading down the towers. On a smaller scale than the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at the Tower of London in 2014, it is hoped that the visual will provoke thoughts amongst the thousands of people who pass under the gate each day to remember those lost in the Great War. Towers of poppies in Canterbury
5000 poppies at two locations
Thousands of poppies laid out can be quite the spectacle, with the powerful deep red colour consistently linked to remembering those individuals who gave their tomorrow for our today. In Gillingham from November 6th to December 21st not only can you view the poppies at the Royal Engineers Museum, but you can knit and contribute to the display too. In Maidstone, from 6th November to 21st December, the Maidstone Museum will be hosting their own display of 5000 and once it finishes in December, their poppies will be donated to the Royal British Legion for their 2019 poppy appeal. Fronts of poppies in Gillingham & Maidstone
Remembrance 2018 in Canterbury
Each year Canterbury remembers and takes time to reflect on those lost during both wars on Remembrance Sunday, and this year's commemoration will be on an even larger scale. Beginning on the Saturday at 11am there will be numerous events throughout the city, including the Remembrance Ceremony in the Buttermarket, music and word performances for Remembrance in the cathedral and Beacons of Light in Toddler’s Cove. Remember both wars’ losses in Canterbury
