In partnership with The Royal British Legion, the National Memorial Arboretum will be commemorating the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme between the 30th June and 18th November 2016. One of the biggest battles of World War I, the Battle of the Somme resulted in 419,654 Commonwealth casualties of which 95,675 lost their lives or were reported as missing. On day one alone 19,240 were killed.

Join us to help create a magnificent art installation to represent those 19,240 soldiers who lost their lives on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1^st 1916.

This mass-participation project will be created in partnership with an Artist in Residence and provides the opportunity for individual visitors, families, community groups and schools to contribute towards a cumulative work of art, the final piece of which will be placed in situ at a special service on 18th November.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make your own personal tribute. A perfect activity for families!

Somme Above Ground Trench Installation
Throughout the Centenary of the Somme, join us to explore the living and working conditions endured by those who fought in the Great War. A section of an authentic replica WWI trench will be constructed at the Arboretum and will feature interpretation panels so visitors can learn more. The trench will be available to view from 1st July.

Costumed interpreters will be on hand on various dates during the school summer holidays to take budding historians back in time. FREE.