VOLUNTEERS at the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre on the Garrison by the Thames in Purfleet-on-Thames will host a fun day later this month embracing nationalities across Thurrock, particularly those who stood side by side with Britain in the two World Wars.

'SALUTE! 2026 – Remembering the Somme' will take place from 10am to 5pm and is a free festival to honour shared heritage. The location is Magazine No.5, Centurion Way, Purfleet-on-Thames, RM19 1ZZ.

The Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre is based in a 1760s Grade 1 listed former royal gunpowder magazine.

The 2026 festival brings together the many diverse nations and includes the following highlights:

1) The rich and colourful Gurkha Festival with performances and food

2) The unveiling of a new display dedicated to Franciszek "Frank" Gruszka, a Polish pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain,

3) A kabaddi match organised by SSLE Kabaddi Club

4) African drumming with Efua Sey Cultural Academy

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5) Romanian Bar ALL4BAR with a new Dracula cocktail celebrating Purfleet's link with Dracula

6) Finale of WW1 songs performed by Geri Castle and the Three Amigos marking the 110 years of the Battle of the Somme

There will be many activities for families which include field gun challenges, Southern Armour Group remote controlled scale model tanks, cultural performances and world cuisine.

The festival has been developed in partnership with local cultural communities and features the only Gurkha Memorial in Essex in the centre's grounds.

Website | https://purfleet-hmc.org/events