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VE Day 80: Wartime Weekend

A celebratory weekend that takes us back 80 years to wartime Kent with Up an At ‘Em!’s fun interactive history sessions and a rousing Big Band picnic finale.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Join the brilliant Up an At 'Em! team as they bring wartime Kent to life with a series of fun, interactive and family-friendly sessions throughout the day.

Whether you're a history buff or just love a bit of vintage nostalgia, there's something for everyone!

Frontline Kent – 11.30am Life on the Home Front – 12.45pm Victory in Europe! – 1.45pm Ready Steady Ration Cook! – 3.00pm

On Sunday 25 May, bring a blanket, pack your picnic, and enjoy music from across the decades, including some wartime classics, played by the Biggin Hill Band in the beautiful surroundings of Ightham Mote.

Over the weekend there is an opportunity to pick-up a bargain at our World War II themed second hand pop-up book fair.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Children welcome

Meeting point

Please ask for details and directions on arrival at the Visitor Centre

What to bring and wear

It can be chilly in the house in winter so wrap up warm.

Accessibility

Talks and demonstrations will take place around the house and grounds. Please ask staff for details.

Upcoming events

Event

Exhibition: Ightham at War 

The Ightham at War: Prisoners With Parallel Fates exhibition tells the extraordinary stories of two men at war —one a captured British soldier, the other a downed German pilot— both connected by Ightham Mote.

Event summary

on
3 May to 28 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 148 other dates or times
Event

Saving Ightham: celebrating 40 years of Ightham Mote's legacy 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Charles Henry Robinson gifting Ightham Mote to the National Trust.

Event summary

on
3 May to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 183 other dates or times
Event

VE Day 80 discovery days 

Discover what life was like on the Home Front during World War II with our family friendly weekend of interactive sessions and displays.

Event summary

on
3 May to 5 May 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Sargent’s Palette in Bloom 

Discover how Ightham Mote inspired internationally renowned artist John Singer Sargent.

Event summary

on
3 May to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 183 other dates or times