Communities across Tonbridge and Malling are preparing to gather in quiet reflection to mark Remembrance Sunday on 8 November and Armistice Day on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
Residents, veterans, and local leaders will come together across the borough to honor the servicemen and women who lost their lives in service to their country. Former Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Councillor Mark Rhodes, along with other local dignitaries, clergy, and community groups, will participate in commemorations throughout the week.
“Remembrance remains one of the most important occasions in our civic calendar,” said Cllr Mark Rhodes. “It is a time for us to pause, reflect and honour the men and women who served their country with courage and distinction. As communities across the borough gather in remembrance, we pay our respects to all those who gave their lives and acknowledge the lasting debt of gratitude we owe them.”
Remembrance Sunday Schedule (8 November)
- Tonbridge (10.30am): The traditional parade leaves Tonbridge Castle at 10.30am (participants should assemble between 10am and 10.20am). The parade will process down Bank Street, onto the High Street, and into Bradford Street before reaching the memorial gardens for the Service of Remembrance and Wreath Laying Ceremony. Cllr Mark Rhodes will lead the wreath laying, followed by two minutes’ silence and The Last Post. Attendees are asked to gather at the gardens by 10.30am.
- Kings Hill (10am): A Remembrance Parade and Service will take place at Kings Hill Community Centre (70 Gibson Drive). Deputy Mayor Cllr Sarah Hudson will deliver a reading and lay a wreath.
- West Malling (2pm): Commemorations begin at 2pm at the Saluting Base north of St Mary’s Church on the High Street, with former Mayor Cllr Roger Roud taking the salute. The Remembrance Service begins inside St Mary’s Church at 2.30pm, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial outside.
- Snodland (2.30pm): Snodland Town Council’s parade starts at Holmesdale School and marches to Snodland Cemetery for the service, where former Mayor Cllr Sue Bell will lay a wreath on behalf of the council.
- Aylesford (2.45pm): A Parade and Service of Remembrance will be held in the Garden of Honour at the Royal British Veterans Village, attended by Council Leader Matt Boughton.
Armistice Day Services (Wednesday 11 November)
On Armistice Day, a traditional two-minute silence will be observed at 11am, marked by the firing of maroons at both Manor Park in West Malling and Tonbridge Castle.
In Tonbridge, a short service will follow at the Town Memorial near the Watergate entrance to Tonbridge Castle. Deputy Lieutenant Mr Gavin McKinnon OBE and Cllr Mark Rhodes will attend. Those wishing to pay their respects are asked to assemble by 10.40am.
Attending a Service
Members of the public are warmly invited to attend any of the events across the borough and are welcome to lay wreaths during the ceremonies.
- Traffic Note: Short local road closures will be in place around parade routes during event times.
- Other Local Services: Additional parades and services are scheduled in villages and parishes across the borough. Residents are encouraged to check with their local parish or town council for specific neighborhood arrangements.
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