24 – 26 APRIL 2026
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Anzac Day is a solemn national day of remembrance observed in Australia and New Zealand every year on April 25th.
As is tradition in Le Quesnoy, Anzac Day is commemorated on the nearest Sunday to April 25.
Te Arawhata will mark this important date with a weekend of remembrance beginning on Friday 24 April and concluding with the town’s official commemorations on Sunday 26 April 2026.
Beginning Friday 24 April, Te Arawhata will offer guided tours of the Museum and Le Quesnoy’s imposing 17th-century ramparts.
At 6 pm, we invite you to join us for a Last Post Ceremony in Te Arawhata’s forecourt – a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of the ANZAC soldiers 111 years ago.
The Last Post Ceremony recalls the military tradition of the bugler’s call to mark the end of the day’s combat activities. The Last Post is today played during military funerals and commemorative ceremonies to remember those who died during the War. During the Ceremony, the Last Post is followed by a reading of The Ode (a short poem promising to keep alive the memory of our soldiers) and a rendition of the Reveille, a regimental call marking the beginning of a day’s combat.
The Last Post Ceremony will be preceded by a kapa haka (Māori performing arts) showcase by members of the London Māori Club, Ngāti Rānana. Te Arawhata is delighted to have Ngāti Rānana back to perform an extended set after their brilliant show at the Anzac Dinner 2025.
On Saturday 25 April, the museum will offer further tours and commemorative events to mark the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings:
At 11 am Sunday 26 April, the Le Quesnoy Anzac Commemorative Service will take place. This will be attended by dignitaries from New Zealand and France, locals and Kiwi visitors. A reception at the Le Quesnoy Town Hall will follow the service, open to all who wish to attend.
This is a unique and emotional service where the efforts of the New Zealand troops during the liberation are remembered with reverence and deep gratitude from the people of Le Quesnoy.
The events will be on a first come first served basis. Once your reservation is made, you will be emailed an invoice for payment.
Practical information
There are many accommodation options close to Le Quesnoy and in surrounding towns which are easily accessible with a rental car or by train. We recommend staying close to the Valenciennes Train Station, just 15 minutes from Le Quesnoy.
Te Arawhata has arranged a hotel deal with InSitu Hotel, Valenciennes, where our guests can get a twin or double room with breakfast included for 75€ per night. To take advantage of this deal, please email us at info@nzliberationmuseum.com.
For further information on options for accommodation and travel, see Getting Here – New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata. We also recommend staying at Le Château d’en Haut, Jenlain, a nearby castle offering special rates for the Anzac Weekend.
Acknowledgements
Te Arawhata wishes to express its deep gratitude to the Le Quesnoy-New Zealand Association for its continuing support. Without the enduring engagement of the Association, notably including decades of providing warm welcomes to New Zealanders, the friendship we celebrate at Te Arawhata would not be that which it is today.
Te Arawhata is also incredibly grateful to the Le Quesnoy Town Hall and the Mayor, Marie-Sophie Lesne, for their assistance and support in the preparation of these events.
Ticketed Packages
95€ – The Complete Experience
45€ – The Anzac Dinner
25€ – Te Arawhata Discovery
Tours of Te Arawhata (one hour in English)
Tours of the ramparts of Le Quesnoy (one hour in English)
A form will be sent to you following your purchase of tickets so that you can register for your tour time slots.
Public Events
Friday 24 April, 6 pm: Last Post Ceremony at Te Arawhata, preceded by a Ngāti Rānana kapa haka showcase.
Saturday 25 April, 8:30 am: Poppy-laying and poetry-readings at the Le Quesnoy Communal Cemetery Extension.
Sunday 26 April, 11 am: Le Quesnoy Commemorative Anzac Service, commencing at Te Arawhata. A public reception at the Le Quesnoy Town Hall is open following the service.
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