Wartime Kent

This year sees three momentous anniversaries: 100 years since the outbreak of World War One, 75 since the outbreak of World War Two, and 70 since D-Day. 

Kent has a wealth of connections to these significant periods in British and European history, including the house that hid code breakers, the coast where bouncing bombs were tested, the tunnels from which Operation Dynamo was masterminded, and the airfields from which Spitfires and Hurricanes flew.

A programme of events and activities in Kent marking these anniversaries includes:

Ramsgate Blitz Walks – A guided walk around the heaviest bombed seaside town in the UK. Various dates through to December.

Open air classical concert, Leeds Castle – The concert features The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Military Wives Choir, a military band, field guns, and air displays. July 12. www.heritage-events.co.uk

The War & Peace Revival, Folkestone Racecourse – The Greatest military show on earth is at Folkestone Racecourse for the second year. Highlights include the Vintage Village, an RAF camp, the Women's Voluntary Service providing tea to bombed-out householders, and even cows at the Land Army display! July 16-20. www.warandpeacerevival.co.uk

Valour, Loss & Sacrifice: Chatham, the Royal Navy, and the War at Sea, 1914-1918, Historic Dockyard Chatham – Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of the WW1, this exhibition portrays the significant role played by Chatham Dockyard, its workers and the Chatham Port Division of the Royal Navy, shown through the eyes of those who served.  Four years of sacrifice and loss will be depicted using objects and artefacts drawn mainly from The Historic Dockyard's own collection. July 26-November 30. www.thedockyard.co.uk

www.visitkent.co.uk/frontlinekent

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