Publish date: 18 April 2023
There are numerous events happening from now until the end of May for the Battle of the Atlantic. Find more information about the events on Battle of the Atlantic's website or on their social media, Facebook @BattleAtlanticMemorial or Twitter @BoAtlantic80.
Lectures on BoA
The Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Charity has organised a series of BoA themed lectures and events taking place at venues in Liverpool city centre. These are free to attend and everyone is welcome. For details visit Battle of the Atlantic website.
Visit the Johnnie Walker Chamber at Bootle Town Hall
Find out more about this unconventional hero, and why his bravery and ingenuity were vital to the city’s – and the UK’s – survival, by visiting our special pop up display at Bootle Town Hall. The pop up is open every second and fourth Friday of the month open to visitors until the end of May 2023.
Battle of the Atlantic 80th anniversary conference, by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) at Maritime Museum, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool on Saturday 20 May
Join some of the UK’s leading academics at this conference on 20 May from 10am to 3pm to mark the 80th anniversary of Battle of the Atlantic. Presentations from scholars and serving members of the Royal Navy. This one day conference is FREE to attend, including lunch and refreshments, but tickets are limited. Find out more, and register for your ticket at Eventbrite.
The theatre performance 'Blowing a Raspberry at Hitler’ by LJMU on Wednesday 24, Thursday 25 and Friday 26 May
On 24 to 26 May, from 7.30pm to 9pm, Liverpool John Moore's drama department is performing a play 'Blowing a Rasberry to Hitler' at the John Foster Theatre on Hope Street. It explores the story of the women of the Western Approaches Tactical Unit (WATU) at Western Approaches. Tickets are free, but you must register to secure your place. Book on Eventbrite.
Service of dedication at St Nick's (Liverpool Parish Church) Our Lady and St Nicholas Church on Friday 26 May
On 26 May there will be a service of dedication at St Nick's (Liverpool Parish Church) Our Lady and St Nicholas Church. A new national memorial to the Battle of the Atlantic will be unveiled in St Nick’s gardens directly after the service. There will be a flypast over the church and Pier Head at 12.15pm, by BBMF. Members of the public will be able to visit the gardens and memorial from 1pm.
The BoA80/military village on the Mersey water front, Pier Head on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May from 10am till 6pm
This includes a riverside 1940s themed military village, Merchant Navy and Royal Navy ships open to visitors, flypasts by vintage aircraft, plenty of free family activities, charity stalls, food, cadet bands, 1940s music, dance, and other pop up performances.
The HMRM band concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic, Hope Street on Saturday 27 May at 7.30pm
Tickets for this event range from £15 to £30 and are on sale via the Liverpool Philharmonic website. Alternatively, you can call the box office on 0151 709 3789.
The Drumhead Service on Sunday 28 May
The culmination of the BoA80 weekend. Muster at Mann Island/Pier Head. Please note that there is limited seating for this short outdoor service, and elderly veterans will be prioritised. Attendees are welcome to bring their own portable chairs or stools. Muster from 11am, service starts at 12pm to 12.30pm.
If your group or association would like to lay a wreath, please contact: Ellen
The March on Sunday, Exchange Flags to Princes Parade on Sunday 28 May
The march will follow the Drumhead service, with time to allow everyone to walk the short distance between locations (5 to 10 minutes. Route will follow Castle Street, James Street, and The Strand towards the Cruise Liner Terminal at Pier Head (where our flagships will be berthed). BoA veterans will take the salute from a dais on Princes Parade, before the march disperses on reaching William Jessop Way (the total march distance is 1 mile approx.) Muster from 1pm, march from 1.30pm. Anyone wanting to take part in the march is welcome. Lt Cdr Steve (Larry) Grayson and WO Billy Jones are organising groups and managing capacity limits for the route. Email them to request places for standards, marchers, and any other information: stephen
The Convoy Sails, Mersey waterfront (and Seacombe waterfront TBC) on Sunday 28 May from 5pm to 6pm
Gather on the Mersey water front for a spectacular and moving event to close the BoA80 commemorative weekend. With Merchant, Royal Navy, and Allied Naval vessels plus a convoy of support from the Mersey’s maritime community, and a beat retreat from His Majesty’s Royal Marine Band as they sail.
The Cunard Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Liverpool Parish Church on Sunday 3 June from 11am to 12pm
The Cunard Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving for the Battle of the Atlantic takes place at Liverpool Parish Church, Our Lady and St Nicholas, at 11am. During the Service, a tribute will be placed at Cunard’s company Memorial inside Church. All are welcome.
Further information
For any further enquiries, contact Project manager for BoA80, Louise McWatt