2014 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 history, including the house that hid code breakers, the coast where bouncing bombs were tested; the secret tunnels from which Operation Dynamo was masterminded; and the airfields from which Spitfires and Hurricanes flew.

A major programme of events and activities will be taking place across the county in 2014. We invite you to visit Kent and explore the compelling mix of daring missions and surprise, tales of ingenuity and heroic human spirit.

2014 Events:

Various dates: (2 February; 2 March; 6 April; 4 May; 1 June; 4, 11, 18, 25 July; 1, 8, 15, 22, 31 August; 7, 14, 21, 28 September; 2 November; 7 December)
Ramsgate Blitz Walks
A guided walk around the heaviest bombed seaside town in the UK. Relive the dark days of WW2, hear stories of ordinary people on the front line and visit the places connected with those stories. Reliving the dark days of WW2 hear the stories and visit the places. Walks take 2 - 2 1/2 hours and are free but donations welcome. Walks start at 10am on Sundays and 19.00 on Fridays at 19.00. Private walks can be arranged
www.summerof40.webeden.co.uk

April 2014 - June 2016
Quex Park Revisited - First World War  
Powell Cotton Museum, Birchington
In the late summer of 1914 many Belgian civilians began to flee from the fighting, soon to be followed by wounded men of the Belgian Army. The first group were brought over to England from Ostend on 10th October by the Wounded Allies Relief Committee, a British aid organisation formed in August 1914, and taken to a hospital set up by a Voluntary Aid Detachment in Ramsgate. The VAD hospital at Quex Park was one of 80 in Kent. Quex Park Revisited - The First World War, tells the story of this time and the subsequent years of the War through activities designed to help visitors engage with and learn about this important moment in history and its associated material heritage. Including:

 

Welkom Vriend!
A panel display in photographic and archival material of the arrival of the Belgian patients at the VAD hospital at Quex Park and the individual stories of several of these patients.

 

From Rowland Ward to hospital ward
A photographic exhibition exploring how the Powell-Cotton Museum was turned into a hospital at the start of the war.

 

Far from Home: Life on the Belgian Frontline
This exhibition will form part of an on-going partnership with the In Flanders Fields Museum, Ypres, who will lend the exhibits for this display. The small object exhibition will look at life on the frontline in Belgium, in contrast to the life of Belgian patients at Quex House, which is explored in the concurrent exhibits noted above.

 

A public lecture will be delivered by the Museum's archivist, a First World War expert. These will focus on the role of Quex House as a VAD hospital and the role of the wider Thanet area. This series will be linked to the content of our exhibitions (outlined above) to offer a different way of enabling the public to engage with Quex's First World War story.

www.quexpark.co.uk

26 - 27 April 2014
1940s Wartime Weekend
Dover Transport Museum
The '1940s Wartime Weekend' at Dover Transport Museum will commemorate the vital role that Dover played as both a Port and vital hub of national defence during WW2, in addition to highlighting the contribution of those on the Home Front, and our Allies, throughout those war years. The event will be visited and inspected by 'HM Queen Elizabeth' along with 'Princess Elizabeth', her ladies in waiting and her detective'.  This is a locally based lady historian who accurately portrays the then Queen (the late Queen Mother) as she was often seen during those war years, visiting the bombed towns and factories of Great Britain. 'Victory Wartime Band' will be playing 1940's music and will be joined by 'Tacky Annie's Swing Dance Club' and 'Channel Hoppers' who will take to the floor and dance to the music in period costume.
http://dovertransportmuseum.org.uk

17 - 18 May 2014
WWI Centenary Commemoration Weekend
Belmont House and Gardens
Visit Belmont House and step back in time to experience what life was like on the frontline. Demonstrations and displays reflect the key aspects of the history in this period, with different WWI encampments plus displays of weapons and equipment. Children will be encouraged to take part in drill display and the WWI army signal school.
www.belmont-house.org

17 - 18 May 2014
1940s Weekend
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Experience the forties lifestyle as the Railway turns back the clock to wartime Britain. Enjoy flying displays by iconic wartime planes - the Hurricane and Spitfire; singing by polished professionals, delivering the sound of the forties with sophistication and a splash of fun; and plenty of dancing. Vehicles and authentic costumes from the period will be on view, and a 1940s village scene with wartime cookery demonstrations. Steam trains run all weekend, and train ticket gains entry to the event and includes unlimited train travel.
www.kesr.org.uk

24 - 26 May 2014
WWII Weekend
Dover Castle
Witness an explosive battle and soak up the atmosphere as the castle returns to the 1940's. Walk through military encampments and get up close to a full size replica Spitfire. Step inside Mr Smith's bombed out shop and discover the austerity of the war years from the Ministry of Food. Experience the German field hospital. Get tips on the latest period fashion. Witness the firepower display. With a live band playing music from the 40's and plenty of hands-on activities for children - it's a day to remember for all ages.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/dovercastle

Sunday 1st June 2014
Plant a REAL Poppy Day
Kent wide
The 100th Anniversary of the start of World War One is 4th August 2014, a unique campaign has been started to plant real poppies to coincide with this centenary. The bright red Flanders poppies also known as corn poppies, will be planted by thousands of people all across the nation during spring 2014 - for flowering late July/early August. The 2014 Real Poppy Campaign is the brainchild of The Greenhithe (Kent) Royal British Legion, who would like to see the UK covered in real Flanders poppies during August 2014 - just imagine thousands upon thousands of bright red poppies growing alongside motorways, hundreds in every garden, hedgerows, fields, window boxes - the entire nation covered in poppies. Seeds are available direct from the Royal British Legion or from B&Q and many garden centres nationwide. Plant a REAL poppy day is Sunday 1st June 2014 - the poppies should be in bloom for the Centenary itself. Plant YOUR Town RED!
http://realpoppy.co.uk/

1 June 2014
Ramsgate Tunnels Explorer opening
Ramsgate's Tunnels Explorer takes visitors on a journey into a network of tunnels which became a town below the town. As World War II approached the Borough Council embarked on ambitious plans to construct over 2 miles of bomb proof deep shelter tunnels to protect the civilian population of the town. Nobody realised that these tunnels would become a town below the town. For the first time in 75 years visit this unique underground environment in guided tours of the complex. Learn about life underground from recordings of those who took refuge from the bombardment of a front line town. See how over 1,000 people lived in makeshift homes in the vast railway tunnel which dates back over 150 years. Discover how the tunnels were dug in less than 9 months; wonder at the construction by hand of almost a mile of railway tunnel. Learn about the World Scenic Railway which transported visitors around the world on their 5 minute journey to the seafront. A visit to the Tunnels Explorer will be a unique opportunity to take a glimpse into Ramsgate's unique heritage and ability to survive through the darkest period of World War II.
www.ramsgatetunnels.org

12th July 2014
Open Air Classical concert
Leeds Castle 
This 'Best of British Event' is a firm favourite for Kent's 2014 diary. The concert features The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra who has delighted audiences worldwide and will also be joined by soloists and The Military Wives Choir.  At this fantasist night of picnic and patriot flag waving you'll also be treated to a military band, field guns, amazing air displays which features iconic WW2 planes and a fantastic firework finale.
www.heritage-events.co.uk

13 July 2014
1940s Guided Tour
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
A full day touring the railway, learning from our resident historian about our railway's involvement in WW2.  Lunch and afternoon tea included.  Pre-booking essential. Also 10th August.
www.rhdr.org.uk

16 - 20 July 2014
The War & Peace Revival
RAF Westenhanger, Folkestone Racecourse
The Greatest military show on earth is at Folkestone Racecourse for the second year. Tthe organisers of War and Peace Revival have lots of things planned to recognise the three important moments in history being commemorated in 2014. Highlights include the exciting Vintage Village - a peaceful haven with displays of vintage Rolls Royce from the 1920s to 1960s, an RAF camp featuring the full-sized replica Spitfire, Hurricane and "captured" Me 109, the Home Front area with a wartime pub, shop, Women's Voluntary Service providing tea and refreshments to bombed out householders, ARP, policeman and even live cows at the Land Army display!
www.warandpeacerevival.co.uk

26 July to 30 November 2014
Valour, Loss & Sacrifice: Chatham, the Royal Navy and the War at Sea, 1914-1918
No. 1 Smithery, The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, this exhibition portrays the significant role played by Chatham Dockyard, its workers and the Chatham Port Division of the Royal Navy in the 'Great War', 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.
www.thedockyard.co.uk

27 July 2014
Captain Howey Day & 1940's Guided Tour
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
RH&DR's founder, Captain J.E.P Howey was a serving officer in WW1 and as we commemorate the centenary of the Great War, the Railway remembers him with a photographic exhibition and presentation.  WW2 Guided tour also running on this day.  Pre-booking essential.
www.rhdr.org.uk

30 July - 3 August 2014
Poetry and Poppies
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is joining the Real Poppy Campaign by planting a stunning display of Flanders poppies. There will be a vast display of poppies on the hillside at the viewpoint, which is one of the highest points in Kent - the display, in the shape of a huge poppy, will be a spectacular sight from air. Poetry from World War 1 will also be exhibited around the gardens. On Sunday 3rd August, the Rogers family will put on a poetry recital of World War 1 poems.
www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

 

 
4th August 2014
Unveiling of the Step Short Memorial Arch
The Leas, Folkestone
The Step Short charity has commissioned a dramatic commemorative arch in memory of the millions of soldiers who marched through Folkestone en route to the troop ships that were waiting to take them to the Western Front during the first World War. The stainless steel arch will feature a timeline that will tell the story of Folkestone's role as the departure point for many of the soldiers who left for France and the bloody conflict on mainland Europe. The arch will be unveiled on the Leas at Folkestone 4 August, along with a military parade. The Department of Culture Media and Sport has highlighted the unveiling of the Step Short arch as a nationally-significant event that is likely to attract considerable media attention and it is possible that a member of the Royal Family will be present.
www.go4marketing.net

4 August 2014
Special guided Tour of 37 WWI Graves
St Peters Churchyard, Broadstairs
On this anniversary of the start of the First World War there will be a special guided tour of the 37 WW1 graves in St Peter's Churchyard, Broadstairs - one of the longest Churchyards in England. The guide will use visual aids and group numbers will be kept small. Booking essential.
www.villagetour.co.uk

16 - 17 August 2014
Combined Military Ops
Headcorn Aerodrome
Relive the Sounds and Drama of the Wartime Airfield at Combined Ops Weekend. 2014 sees the sixth annual Combined Ops Weekend, a spectacular display of military vehicles and aircraft.  The show, which takes place at Kent's historic Headcorn Aerodrome, home of many real war-time dramas.
This family event makes the perfect day out and will include a variety of vintage and modern aircraft displays, on the ground and in the air; static military vehicles; living history re-enactment groups; arena events; military stalls and children's mini tanks. In battles depicting scenes from WW2 and WW1, re-enactors shoot thousands of blank rounds in carefully planned skirmishes. Deafening gunfire and tanks, together with explosions that blow holes in the ground, filling the air with dirt and smoke make for an exciting day.
www.headcornevents.co.uk

25 - 31 August 2014
World War Zoo
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
Mark 100 years since the outbreak of World War I, 75 years since the outbreak of World War II and 70 years since D-Day by celebrating the role of animals throughout the war. Learn about what happened to the animals during the conflicts and how they helped to change the course of history.
www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

 

 
20 - 21 September 2014
War and the Horse
Dover Castle
Witness the powerful imagery and confidence of the Cavalry of 1914 as they prepare to dominate the battlefields of Europe, little aware of the way in which the machine gun and barbed wire would sweep away their preconceptions. Young men race their horses and compete in Cavalry Skill at Arms, oblivious to the cataclysm about to engulf Europe. Compare and contrast through the day as the Troopers change into the somber khaki clothing that was to be evocative of the years to come. Glimpse into this world as we tell this remarkable story through re-enactment, talks, music and children's activities.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/dovercastle

20 - 21 September 2014
Salute to the '40s
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Be transported back in time! Around every corner period vehicles, evacuees and people dressed in their best 1940's attire bring the site alive creating a truly vintage atmosphere. With dance troops and the best of 1940's entertainers, this is one of the finest of its kind in the country.
www.thedockyard.co.uk

22 September 2014
Commemorative Event to mark the 100th anniversary of the loss of Hogue, Cressy and Aboukir.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Three Royal Navy Cruisers (Hogue, Cressy and Aboukir) were lost/sunk by enemy submarine action on 22nd September 1914 off the Dutch coast in the North Sea.  The ships were manned with reservists from the Chatham Division and the 1,273 names of those lost are recorded on the Chatham Naval Memorial.  The first shot of the war was fired at end of August and the first loss was of HMS Pathfinder on 5th September, but this loss of three cruisers was one of the worst days for the Royal Navy so early in the war.
www.thedockyard.co.uk

29 - 30 November 2014
Christmas on the home front: WWII Experience
Kent Life
'It's cold outside but you will be warmed by the villagers' attempts to keep up morale'.
Talk to the family preparing for Christmas in the 1940s cottage; make wartime decorations with the Blitz victims in the rest centre; gather around the piano for carols and a little song and dance, or maybe send a telegram to a loved one from the post office. Sample the Christmas cookery, join in the Home Guard training, visit the warden's office, take some wartime school lessons, and join the RAF billeted in the Victorian farmhouse. There will also be 'Make do and mend' demonstrations.
www.kentlife.org.uk

19 December 2014
Memorial to war hero Sir Philip Neame
Faversham
As part of a national initiative to honour recipients of the Victoria Cross during the centenary commemorations a total of 28 specially commissioned stones will be unveiled across the country to commemorate medals awarded in 1914 and in every year up to 2019. On 19th December 2014 one of these memorial paving stones will be unveiled in the centre of Faversham, the hometown of Lieutenant-General Sir Philip Neame VC. Sir Philip was a young lieutenant and explosives expert and was awarded the Victoria Cross on the 19th December 1915 for his valour and quick thinking during the Battle of Ypres in 1914. Sir Philip is extraordinary as he is the only person to have gained a Victoria Cross for military service and an Olympic gold medal for rifle shooting in the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. Faversham celebrated the award with a civic welcome and on 19th December 2014 the town will once again celebrate the achievements of Sir Philip with the unveiling of his memorial paving stone.
www.faversham.org

For further details and a full list of events see www.visitkent.co.uk/frontlinekent

For visitors travelling from overseas our travel partner for Frontline Kent is P&O Ferries - www.poferries.com

For enquiries please contact:
Kerstin Andrews on 01227 812904 or Kerstin.andrews@visitkent.co.uk

For images of Kent, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/visitkent

About Visit Kent:
Visit Kent Limited is a public/private sector partnership supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, the district and borough councils, Tourism South East and the leading sector tourism businesses in Kent. Visit Kent champions Kent's £3.2 billion tourism industry by targeting UK and overseas markets, improving quality and skills and growing investment in the tourism product.   For further information visit www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk