Ashford and Tenterden Remembers 2026

Ashford Borough Council has announced that The Royal British Legion will host its annual Remembrance Sunday service at Ashford’s Memorial Gardens on Sunday 8 November 2026. The event will feature dignitaries, invited representatives, and veterans, with the Mayor of Ashford and other distinguished guests in attendance.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive ten minutes prior to the start of the service, which will take place at 10.50 a.m. The gardens will be open to the public from 10 a.m., but for optimal viewing and health and safety reasons, it is advised that visitors gather from the lower section of the gardens rather than Church Road, as the service will occur towards the bottom of the gated area.

During the service, access to the Garden of Remembrance will be restricted, but a large viewing screen will be available for those wishing to watch the proceedings. After the service concludes, attendees will have the opportunity to lay their own wreaths and crosses once the area reopens.

Free parking will be provided at Elwick Road Car Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., conveniently located a short walk from the Memorial Gardens. Following the event, photographs capturing the service will be shared on the council's website and social media channels.

On the same day, a special Remembrance Sunday service will take place at St Mary the Virgin church in Ashford at 9.30 a.m., featuring hymns, prayers, and music. This service will conclude in time for attendees to walk to the Memorial Gardens for the main service.

Additionally, a parade will commence from Recreation Ground Road at 10.30 a.m., proceeding towards the Tenterden War Memorial for a service that begins at 10.50 a.m. This service will include the reading of names from the War Memorial and the laying of wreaths, concluding at 11.25 a.m. A parade will then return to Tenterden Town Hall for dismissal. It is important to note that the A28 from Recreation Ground Road to the junction at West Cross will be closed to vehicles from 10.25 a.m. to 11.40 a.m.

On Wednesday 11 November, maroons will be fired at Civic Park at 11 a.m. and again at 11.02 a.m. to mark Armistice Day. Access across Civic Park will be restricted during this time for safety reasons, but the public is invited to attend a short service in the Memorial Gardens to observe two minutes of silence, with the Mayor of Ashford and other dignitaries present.

Support for this year’s Poppy Appeal can be shown by purchasing a poppy from International House or visiting Ashford's Royal British Legion office on Church Road.