Connecting the Sands community and remembering our much-loved babies.

Each year Sands hosts a day at the National Memorial Arboretum. 

• The morning is dedicated to celebrating and connecting the Sands community, with Volunteer and Healthcare professional awards and a chance to find out more about Sands' work. We will share more about the impact your support and volunteering has.
• In the afternoon we will hold the Remembrance Event for all babies, helping families and individuals to find hope.
• You are welcome to come for the whole day or just part of it. 

We are so sorry that this year's event is likely to clash with Eid Al-Adha. We tried hard to change the date, but the Arboretum was fully booked all summer. 

Sands Garden Day 2025 - Save the date!

When: Saturday 7 June 2025

Where: National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire

10:00 - 10:30am - Arrival, tea and coffee 

10:30am - 1:15pm - Awards and activities recognising the impact of the Sands community 

12:15-1:15pm - Walk and Talk around the Arboretum and Sands Garden

2:30 - 4:30pm - Remembrance event

The day will feature our special remembrance event in the afternoon, but in the morning, we will have a look back at everything Sands has achieved over the last 12 months and the impact we have made together. We'll also get the chance to celebrate the wonderful work of our amazing volunteers with our Volunteer Awards and recognise healthcare professionals who have shown excellent compassion and care with our Elaine Thorp Awards for Bereavement Care.

Throughout the day there will also be various remembrance opportunities, informational stalls, and also family-friendly activities between 12:15-2:15pm. Come along to find out more about Sands, our work, and how to get involved.

This Garden Day will be particularly special because it's the 25th anniversary since the Sands Garden opened at the National Memorial Arboretum. We hope you are able to join us as we come together to remember our much-loved babies. 

Tickets will be available to book soon.

If you are not able to attend this year, you will be able to dedicate a seed paper heart in memory of a much-loved baby which will be planted in the Sands Garden on the day.

You can also contact your local Sands Group to reach out for support. Please see the map below to find your local memorial garden, many of them created by Sands, where you can spend some quiet time to remember your baby.

Travel

The arboretum is accessible from the motorway and by public transport. Find out about getting to the venue. 

Please note, if you are planning to drive, we advise that you book parking in advance. 

Garden Day round up

Here is a lovely round up of a previous Garden Day to give you an idea of what to expect. This is a really uplifting film, but we understand it may also be emotional to view so please take your time and remember that we are always here for you if you need us.