Thousands to attend 2021 Anzac Day commemorations at Australian War Memorial

Thousands of people will be able to attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service and National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on Sunday 25 April 2021, the 106th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli.

The Memorial has worked closely with ACT Health since late 2020 to ensure the safe implementation of Anzac Day commemorations. In line with current government advice, the Dawn Service and National Ceremony will be ticketed, with capacity for 4,200 and 3,000 attendees respectively.

The details of the Veterans’ participation in the National Ceremony are being finalised by the ACT Branch of the Returned and Services League (RSL), which owns and manages the march. As always, the Memorial will reserve seating for the ex-service community and accommodate marching veterans. 

Ticket bookings to the Dawn Service and National Ceremony will be available to the general public via the Memorial website from 10am on Monday 22 March. 

Priority access to the National Ceremony will be offered to Friends of the Memorial, the ex-service community and traditional veteran marchers before public release.

Both commemorations will be held on the Parade Ground of the Memorial. The site will be enclosed by fencing for ticket holder access and to ensure the safety of those attending.

The Anzac Day ceremonies will be broadcast live across Australia by the ABC and online. A range of rich digital content will be made available through the Memorial’s website.

Director Matt Anderson said the Memorial has been working closely with the relevant authorities to achieve the right balance between commemorating Anzac Day and ensuring the safety of the broader community.

“Anzac Day is our most important day; a moment in time to pause and reflect on the gallant efforts and the cost in lives of those who served in the Australian armed forces for more than a century. It’s also a time for all Australians to reflect how, through historical and contemporary service, our defence force personnel continue to uphold the values and the legacy created on 25 April 1915.

“Here at the Memorial, we are thankful for the opportunity to welcome more than 7,000 veterans, current defence force personnel, dignitaries and community members across both our ceremonies in the midst of a global pandemic,” Mr Anderson said.

“While the governments of all states and territories continue to manage the response of this evolving health crisis, it is vital that the Memorial follows the ACT Health guidelines and advice.

“We look forward to welcoming those who are fortunate enough to get tickets to the Anzac Day events, and encourage everyone else to tune into the ABC broadcasts and take part in the RSL Light Up the Dawn,” he added. 

Following the National Ceremony, the Memorial galleries will open to the public. The Last Post Ceremony will take place at the end of Anzac Day. Ticket bookings are essential and can be made via the Memorial’s website: www.awm.gov.au/visit/visitor-information.