Nature exhibitions and events at National Memorial Arboretum in 2019

The Arboretum in Staffordshire has a diverse programme of commemorative and celebratory events this year as well as new exhibitions.

After a successful 2018 which saw the opening of Aspects, a new £8.1million building complementing the Remembrance Centre opened in 2016 with a dedicated state of the art events space, the attraction plans to aim even higher in 2019.

Events for 2019

New for this year is the Plant Hunters Fair, taking place on 16th March, 11th May and 27th July. During the event, green-fingered visitors can explore a wide variety of plants available for purchase and seek gardening advice.

On 29th to 30th June the Armed Forces Weekend will include a packed programme of fun activities alongside musical entertainment and a food and gift fair. Over the weekend visitors can learn about the work of the Armed Forces and discover the rich and varied stories of Armed Forces personnel and their families. 

The Summer Proms will take place on 3rd August offering a host of musical entertainment as the sun sets, culminating in a fireworks finale.

On 21st to 22nd September visitors can enjoy the Autumn Festival, which will celebrate autumn produce, artisan foods and woodland crafts. 

Between 11th – 20th December the Illuminated Arboretum event will take place. The picturesque, immersive experience will see the Arboretum and some of its memorials ‘shown in another light’. 

Major exhibitions in 2019 include: 

• Mighty Oaks: 5th April – 23rd June

Mark Frith’s graphite illustrations of ancient oaks will be on display and are a view into what the future holds for the trees at the Arboretum. 

• Silent Testimony: 29th June – 1st September.

Since 2010, Colin Davidson has become internationally renowned for his series of large-scale portraits. Silent Testimony is described as a powerful response which reflects on how the conflict has had, and continues to have, a profound impact on thousands of individuals.

• Tribute Ink: 13th September – 1st December

Featuring photography portraits, first-hand testimonies and interactive discovery, Tribute Ink will explore how tattoo art has become an important part of the Armed Forces community and will tell some the fascinating stories hidden in military tattoos.   

• The Arborealists: 6th December – 29th March 2020

The exhibition will include works from an international group of artists who all take trees as their inspiration. Working in a range of styles, the artists each respond to nature in a distinctive and personal manner, reflecting the diversity of trees across the globe. 

For more information, visit www.thenma.org.uk. 

Lead image: Summer Proms at the National Memorial Arboretum.