Arboretum to celebrate 25 years as nation’s year-round place to remember
The National Memorial Arboretum has announced a programme of activities commemorating 25 years since it opened as the nation’s year-round place to remember.
Throughout 2026, the 150-acre estate, in Staffordshire, is hosting ‘25 Years of…’, a year-long programme of exhibitions, events, and activities celebrating the stories, milestones, and moments that have shaped the Arboretum’s story since it opened to the public on 16 May 2001.
Philippa Rawlinson, director of the National Memorial Arboretum and director of Remembrance for the Royal British Legion, said: “Through our anniversary programme, we will be welcoming our visitors to join a year-long celebration of the stories, milestones, and moments that have shaped the National Memorial Arboretum.
“What began as an ambitious vision and 150 acres of mud has grown into a vibrant Remembrance landscape, providing a dedicated space for the preservation of inspirational stories of service and sacrifice for future generations.
“Since those early days, saplings have become trees, more than 420 memorials have been created, and the National Memorial Arboretum has solidified its place as the Nation’s year-round place to remember.”
The National Memorial Arboretum was founded by Commander David Childs, who was inspired to create a permanent year-round place dedicated to Remembrance after visiting Arlington Cemetery and the National Arboretum in Washington DC.
The 150-acre estate, established on former quarry workings is now recognised as an exemplar of visionary quarry restoration, having transformed a collection of muddy fields in the Staffordshire countryside into an inspirational living tribute to those who serve our nation.
The Arboretum became part of the Royal British Legion in 2004 and currently welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year, including 25,000 young people on learning visits.
Its garden and woodland landscape is home to more than 420 memorials commemorating the service and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services, and civilian organisations.
The scheduled programmes are;
Celebrating Schools Performance
Friday, 15 May at 12.30pm, Free
Hundreds of young people from local schools will take to the stage to share moments from the Arboretum’s story, expressed through music, poetry, dance, and theatrical performance.
Open to everyone, this collaborative celebratory performance is the culmination of an eight-week in-school programme of creative workshops.
25th Anniversary Weekend: Celebrating 25 Years of...Remembering Together
Saturday, 16 – Sunday, 17 May, from 10am-5pm, Free
Two days of vibrant performances, reflective moments, and powerful storytelling, will celebrate the milestones, voices and experiences that have shaped the Arboretum’s story so far.
Saturday 16 May will honour the stories of military service represented by the memorials around its grounds and Sunday 17 May will celebrate how the Arboretum’s community has grown through collective Remembrance, participation and reflection.
Visitors can expect performances from Black Voices, Sampad, community choirs, military bands, Talent in the Ranks, and Arboretum Poet-In-Residence Arji Manuelpillai.
25 Years of… Celebrating Women
Launching Saturday, 16 May, Free
A new exhibition celebrating the stories of 25 remarkable women who have played an important role in the Arboretum’s history and development.
25 Years of… Buggy Tours
Launching Saturday, 16 May, £10 per-adult and £3 per-child
Daily 60-minute guided tours in an electric buggy, led by a knowledgeable Arboretum volunteer, offering the opportunity to discover more about the moments, people, and memorials that have shaped the Arboretum.
25 Years of… Trails
Launching Saturday, 16 May, Free
Special trails designed for both adults and younger visitors, featuring memorials and landmarks significant to the Arboretum’s developing story.
25 Years of… Daily Talk
Launching Saturday, 16 May, Free
A short talk exploring the Arboretum’s journey across more than 25 years, diving into the people and purpose at the heart of the site.
Threads of Remembrance
Launching Saturday, 16 May, Free
Produced in partnership with BAMM (British Association for Modern Mosaic), this new art installation brings together more than 100 mosaic pieces, inspired by memories of loved ones created by artists from around the world.
The Art of Remembrance
Saturday, 18 July – Sunday, 30 August, Free
A six-week programme exploring why art is so important to Remembrance. Opportunities to shape a large scale outdoor art installation, discover stories through sound and enjoy new specially commissioned family theatre pieces will be available.
Illuminated Arboretum
Friday, 4 December – Tuesday, 22 December. Tickets on sale in June.
The popular light trail will return with new installations focused on special stories associated with the Arboretum’s first 25 years.
For further details about 25 Years of… the National Memorial Arboretum, visit the link, here.
Pictured: Philippa Rawlinson (middle left) and Commander David Childs CBE (middle right), alongside Arboretum volunteers Beth Allen (left) and Sue Elliot (right).
