Ashford Borough Council Commemorates 85th Anniversary of Battle of Britain Day
Published: 09/09/2025
Ashford Borough Council is proud to announce a day of remembrance and reflection to mark the 85th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day on Monday 15 September 2025. The commemorative programme will honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served during one of the most pivotal air campaigns of the Second World War.
Service of Reflection – Memorial Gardens, Ashford
The day will begin with a Service of Reflection at 10:00am in the Memorial Gardens, Church Road, Ashford, TN23 1QG. The service will be led by Reverend Cathie Aldis-Saunders, with opening remarks from The Worshipful, the Mayor of Ashford, Councillor Lyn Suddards. Contributions will include:
- Hymns performed by the East Stour Primary School Choir
- Poetic readings by pupils from Ashford School and Ashford College
The Spitfire and the Battle of Britain
The large floral Spitfire has returned to Memorial Gardens to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The floral Spitfire is made up of 3,400 plants, weighing around one ton and with a wingspan of 4m, and a 3.5m long fuselage.
Exhibition – Ashford Gateway Plus
Following the service, attendees are invited to visit a special collaborative exhibition at Ashford Gateway Plus, showcasing artefacts, photographs, and personal testimonies from heritage organisations across the borough. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Ashford’s wartime legacy and the lived experiences of its communities during the conflict.
The exhibition is part of the Ashford Heritage Spotlight campaign, a coordinated effort to celebrate local heritage throughout September. Heritage partners have contributed materials that reflect the borough’s resilience and ingenuity during the Battle of Britain.
Visitor Information
- Arrival Time: 09:45am for a 10:00am start
- Accessibility: Chairs and accessible toilets available at the Ashford Gateway Plus
We hope to see many of you at this commemorative event to acknowledge and respect the sacrifices of many during WW2.
For more information about Ashford’s involvement in the Battle of Britain, please visit the Council’s website and search history and heritage.
