ANZAC Day Celebration Ideas

Introduction

ANZAC Day, observed annually on April 25th, is a cornerstone of Australian and New Zealand heritage.

It is a day to honour the courage, sacrifice, and mateship of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli during World War I, as well as all service members who have served in military operations.

For event organisers, ANZAC Day presents a unique opportunity to foster community spirit and remembrance through meaningful activities and events.

If you're wondering what do you do on ANZAC Day or looking for inspiration on ANZAC Day celebration ideas, this guide will provide you with suggestions tailored to different audiences.

From ANZAC Day activities for families to cultural events and fundraising opportunities, these ideas are designed to help you create an impactful event.

What Is ANZAC Day?

ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

This campaign was marked by immense bravery but also significant losses, with over 8,700 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders killed during the eight-month campaign.

Over time, ANZAC Day has evolved to remember all who have served and died in military conflicts for these nations.

Traditions such as the Dawn Service, marches, and wreath-laying ceremonies are central to how Australians and New Zealanders observe this day.

For many, it is not only a day of remembrance but also an opportunity to educate future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve their freedoms.

Why Is ANZAC Day Important?

ANZAC Day is a cornerstone of national identity, symbolising values such as bravery, selflessness, and camaraderie.

It fosters unity and gratitude across generations, reminding us of the cost of war and the importance of peace.

Statistics highlight its enduring relevance.

For example, over 1.9 million Australians attended ANZAC Day services in 2023, showcasing the day’s ability to bring communities together in shared reflection.

Organising events that honour these traditions can deepen community ties and ensure the spirit of ANZAC continues to inspire future generations.

How Is ANZAC Day Celebrated in Australia?

Traditional ANZAC Day activities include:

• Dawn Services: Held at war memorials, these solemn ceremonies feature the playing of “The Last Post” and moments of silence.
• Veterans' Marches: Parades honouring the contributions of past and present service members.
• Wreath-Laying Ceremonies: A symbolic act of remembrance at local monuments.

Modern observances have also embraced inclusivity, encouraging participation from diverse communities and younger generations.

Beyond these traditions, communities have introduced creative ANZAC Day things to do to make the day more engaging, such as fundraisers, artistic displays, and cultural events.

Community Celebration Ideas

Host a Dawn Service

Organising a Dawn Service at a local park or war memorial can set the tone for a day of reflection.

Collaborate with veterans’ groups, community leaders, and musicians to include:

• A bugler playing “The Last Post”
• Readings of wartime letters or poems
• Moments of silence and a communal prayer

Host a Breakfast

Follow the solemnity of the Dawn Service with a community breakfast.

Serve traditional Aussie fare like sausage rolls and lamingtons.

Partner with local businesses for catering and use the event to foster connections while sharing ANZAC stories.

Fundraise for Veterans

Organise a charity drive or auction to support veterans’ welfare organisations like Legacy or the Returned and Services League (RSL).

Add a fun element, such as a raffle, bake sale, or live music, to attract participants.

Platforms like TryBooking can streamline ticketing and donations for your events or using our online giving pages to accept donations for these groups.

Family Activities Ideas

ANZAC Biscuit Baking

Host a family-friendly baking workshop or competition focusing on ANZAC biscuits.

These iconic treats, made with oats, golden syrup, and coconut, are tied to wartime history when they were sent to soldiers overseas.

This activity combines fun with education about their origins.

Go Poppy Field Picking

Organise a guided tour to a local poppy field, a symbol of remembrance.

Incorporate storytelling sessions to explain the significance of poppies in honouring fallen soldiers.

This can be both educational and reflective for families.

Make a Wreath and Place It at an ANZAC Day Monument

Provide wreath-making kits and hold a workshop for families to craft their own commemorative wreaths.

Encourage participants to place their wreaths at a local war memorial as a mark of respect and gratitude.

Cultural Celebration Ideas

Put on a Production

Stage a theatrical production or drama focusing on stories from World War I or Australian military history.

Collaborate with local theatre groups or schools to bring these narratives to life. Productions like Gallipoli or original works can deeply resonate with audiences.

Host a Screening

Organise a film night featuring movies or series that highlight the ANZAC spirit, such as Gallipoli, The Water Diviner, or ANZAC Girls.

Pair the screening with a discussion panel featuring veterans or historians to offer deeper insights.

Use TryBooking to allow people to book their seats and take payment online and in person using the Box Office App. Setup donations on your event to accept extra donations to go towards the ANZAC organisations.

Trivia Night

Host a trivia night centred on Australian military history and ANZAC traditions.

Offer prizes such as books or DVDs, or make donations to veterans’ charities in winners’ names.

This is a great way to combine entertainment with education.

Poetry Reading

Organise a poetry reading event featuring wartime poetry from John McCrae or Wilfred Owen.

Invite local poets or community members to share original works inspired by ANZAC themes.

These sessions can be deeply moving and thought-provoking.

Other Ideas for Events

Art Exhibitions

Showcase artworks from local artists depicting themes of war, remembrance, and resilience.

Interactive installations, where attendees can leave messages of gratitude, can make the exhibition more engaging.

Storytelling and Oral Histories

Create a platform for veterans and their families to share personal stories.

Record and archive these accounts to preserve them for future generations, ensuring their legacies endure.

Commemorative Walks or Runs

Organise a fun run or walk to honour ANZAC sacrifices.

Participants can wear poppies or carry small flags.

Use the event to raise funds for ANZAC-related causes, blending remembrance with community fitness.

Conclusion

ANZAC Day is a solemn yet inspiring occasion to remember the sacrifices made by so many for the freedoms we enjoy today.

As an event organiser, you have the power to create meaningful ANZAC Day activities that resonate with your community, educate younger generations, and uphold the spirit of ANZAC.

Whether you’re hosting a Dawn Service, organising a trivia night, or planning a family-friendly baking workshop, these ANZAC Day ideas can guide you in creating events that are both impactful and inclusive.

Simplify your planning and ticketing needs with tools like TryBooking, ensuring your focus remains on crafting an unforgettable experience.

So, as ANZAC Day approaches, ask yourself: What do people do on ANZAC Day in your community, and how can you make this year’s commemorations even more meaningful?