Here’s exactly what groups can look forward to at Staffordshire’s National Memorial Arboretum, the nation’s year-round place to remember.
The National Memorial Arboretum is an inspirational living landscape where families, friends and comrades can celebrate lives lived and remember lives lost. Annually, the Arboretum has a calendar of commemorative and celebratory events which are perfect for groups.
Armed Forces Weekend returns to the Arboretum on 24th - 25th June and is the ideal opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
A Service of Tribute will be held on Saturday 24th June, while both days will see a variety of live music, family activities and food and craft stalls. Two-course lunch packages for groups will be available within Aspects at the National Memorial Arboretum priced at £18.75 per person.
August sees the return of the Summer Proms, welcoming the Band of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Soprano Louise Callinan and Baritone Rodney Earl Clarke to the stage, for an evening of live music, set within beautiful surroundings. It’ll take place on 4th and 5th August and will be £25 per person for groups of 10 or more.
New for 2023, the Arboretum’s Summer Proms Groups Package (£55pp including performance ticket) includes a delicious sharing platter and glass of fizz in the restaurant before the outdoor performance.
Fantastic autumn events at the aboretum
On 21st October, the Arboretum hosts An Autumn Evening with The Rat Pack (£39pp for groups of 10 or more) featuring David Alacey, Des Coleman and Paul Drakeley in Britain’s original and longest running tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.
Guests will enjoy a delicious two-course dinner before partying the night away with toe-tapping music and entertainment from the famous trio.
Late autumn sees the Arboretum commemorate Remembrance Sunday on Sunday 12th November with a moving Service of Remembrance at the foot of the Armed Forces Memorial.
A special Remembrance Sunday Group Package is available, giving groups the option of joining the service on the grounds or viewing the live stream from the comfort of Aspects. The package (£25pp for groups of 10 or more) includes a hot drink, welcome talk, two-course lunch and use of a private bar and facilities.
As the year draws to a close the Arboretum hosts its popular Christmas Lunches with a Swing! Gather your friends for a fun-filled afternoon of delicious food and festive entertainment. A welcome drink, three course lunch with mince pies, and classic carols from the Antonio Socci Jive & Swing Band will be sure to leave you full of Christmas cheer. The lunches (£35pp for groups of 10 or more) are available on 9th, 12th, and 14th December 2023.
Illuminated Arboretum (£18pp) returns in 2023 between 7th and 23rd December with a spectacular light installation unique to the Arboretum. Featuring a kaleidoscope of colour it’s a rare opportunity to see the Arboretum and its memorials in another light.
For information or to book call 01283 245 100 or email groups@thenma.org.uk. Visit www.thenma.org.uk to find out more.
