Everything You Need to Know about The Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate
Imagine standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people. A group of buglers steps forward under a grand stone archway. Then, you hear the sound of the “Last Post” bugle call. This is the daily experience of the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium – a truly unforgettable part of any World War I Battlefield school trip.
More than just a monument, it's a powerful symbol of sacrifice and remembrance and one that has connected generations since 1928. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know, from its deep historical roots, what to expect each evening, how long the service lasts, insider tips to secure the best vantage point, and why you should book your next educational trip with NST!
An Overview of Menin Gate
To understand the Last Post Ceremony, we first need to understand the magnificent archway under which it takes place: the Menin Gate.
Why was it built?
During the First World War (1914-1918), the area around Ypres, known as the Ypres Salient, saw some of the most brutal and continuous fighting. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers from the Commonwealth (including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India) lost their lives here. A significant number of these soldiers had no known grave. Their bodies were simply never found, or their graves were destroyed by further shelling.
After the war, there was a deep desire to honour these missing soldiers. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), an organisation responsible for commemorating Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars, decided to build a grand memorial where their names could be recorded for eternity.
When was it built, and who designed it?
Construction of the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing began in 1923, and Field Marshal Lord Plumer officially unveiled it on 24th July 1927. It was designed by the renowned British architect Sir Reginald Blomfield. His vision was to create a monumental archway, similar to Roman triumphal arches, that would serve as a gateway to Ypres.
Made of pale Portland stone and red brick, its key features include a central vaulted arch flanked by two smaller arches, engraved panels listing over 54,000 names, carved lions and laurel wreaths, and coffered ceilings that enhance acoustics during the Last Post Ceremony.
Did you know? Above the central arch is a large stone entablature bearing the inscription: "To the Armies of the British Empire who stood here from 1914 to 1918 and to those of their dead who have no known grave."
Its purpose
The primary purpose of the Menin Gate is to commemorate the almost 54,000 Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient before 16th August 1917 and have no known grave. Their names are meticulously carved into the white Portland stone walls that line the archway.
When you walk through it, you'll see row upon row of names, an overwhelming sight that brings home the sheer scale of the losses. For those who died after 16th August 1917 and have no known grave, their names are found at Tyne Cot Memorial.
Where is Menin Gate located?
The Menin Gate stands at the eastern entrance to Ypres on the road to Menin (Menen) and Courtrai (Kortrijk). To get there, the nearest station is Ieper (IC and P lines), and the Menin Gate is a 15-minute walk through the town.
This location was the exact place where thousands of Allied soldiers marched out of the relative safety of Ypres towards the battlefields of the Salient, many never to return. Ypres itself was almost completely destroyed during the war, but was painstakingly rebuilt to its original medieval plan, making its survival and the presence of the Menin Gate even more poignant.
What is the Last Post Ceremony?
The bugle call known as the “Last Post” was traditionally played in the British Army to signal the end of the working day. On 1st July 1928, volunteers from Ypres’ fire brigade (now officially the Last Post Association) adopted the call for an evening act of homage beneath the new memorial. Their mission: to sound the “Last Post” every single night, ensuring that the sacrifice of the fallen would never be forgotten.
The only time the ceremony was ever interrupted was during the German occupation of Ypres in the Second World War. However, on the very day that Polish forces liberated Ypres (3rd September 1944), the ceremony was immediately resumed, even though fighting was still going on outside the town.
Schedule of the Last Post Ceremony
The Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate takes place every evening at 8:00 PM (20:00), without fail. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Crowds gather: At around 7:00 PM, people begin to gather under and around the Menin Gate. You can expect large crowds in the summertime, but on a weekday or in winter, there may be fewer visitors.
2. Arrival of the buglers: At exactly 7:55 PM, members of the local Ypres Fire Brigade, dressed in their smart uniforms, march from the opposite side of the gate and take up their positions under the archway. During and after the war, fire brigades often had a role in clearing battlefields.
3. Introduction: Often, a representative from the Last Post Association will give a brief welcome and explain the purpose of the ceremony to the crowd.
4. Playing of the Last Post: This is the core of the ceremony. The buglers raise their instruments and play the "Last Post”. A short bugle call is a traditional military signal, originally used to mark the end of the day, when patrols had returned and all "lights out" duties were completed. In remembrance, it signifies the end of a soldier's day, and indeed, their life. Its mournful, haunting melody is incredibly moving.
5. Moment of silence: Following the “Last Post”, there is a minute of silence. It’s during this quiet that the weight of history and the sacrifice of so many can truly be felt.
6. Playing of “Reveille” (or a Lament): Sometimes, a second bugle call, "Reveille," is played. Reveille is a traditional military signal for waking up and the start of a new day. Played after the “Last Post”, it can symbolise hope, renewal, and the idea that while lives were lost, their memory lives on. Bagpipes might also play a lament (a mournful piece of music).
7. Laying of wreaths: On occasions where the ceremony is extended, individuals, veteran associations, military units, and dignitaries are invited to lay wreaths at the base of the memorial. Your school group might even have the opportunity to lay a wreath, and no reservation is necessary.
8. The exhortation: After the wreath laying, a short poem taken from Laurence Binyon's "For the Fallen" (specifically the fourth stanza), is recited:
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.”
9. End of the Last Post Ceremony: With dignity and respect, the buglers march away, and the road is reopened.
Please note: Anyone can attend free of charge; however, advance booking is required only if your group wishes to lay a wreath or provide flag‑bearers.
How long is the Last Post Ceremony?
The ritual itself lasts between 10–25 minutes, depending on how many wreath parties participate. Allowing for the minute’s silence and movement of delegations, most evenings finish by 8:20 PM. On important anniversaries (e.g. Armistice Day, 11th November), a fuller programme can stretch to 30 minutes or more.
Planning your visit to the Last Post Ceremony
For those on history school trip to Ypres, attending the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering students the opportunity to learn and think critically about the human cost of war, and its impact on individuals and communities.
To maximise your visit, here are some practical tips to help you plan:
1. Arrive early for the best view
We strongly recommend arriving early, especially during peak school holiday seasons (Spring and Autumn) and weekends. Aim to be there by 7:15 PM at the latest to secure a good spot for your group and enjoy an unobstructed sightline to the buglers.
2. Choose the best viewing spot
For the best spots, either stand on the steps leading up to the gate for a slightly elevated view, or if you prefer more space, stand on the left‑hand side (looking towards the town). Most action, including wreath laying, happens on the right, so being opposite offers a good overall view, and is often less crowded.
3. Be respectful
While there's no strict dress code, encourage students to dress respectfully, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion. Absolute silence is expected during the ceremony, especially when the “Last Post” is being played. Flash photography is also strictly prohibited. Taking photos and videos without flash is generally acceptable, but remind students to be discreet.
4. Accessibility
The Menin Gate is generally accessible, but navigating large crowds might be challenging for those with mobility issues. Wheelchair accessibility is only partially available, and the panels on which you can read the names are only accessible by stairs. Inform your tour operator of any specific needs your students might have.
5. Order a wreath
If your school or group wishes to lay a wreath, this must be arranged well in advance through your school tour operator, like NST. A wreath, spray, cross or chaplet can be ordered from the Royal British Legion, and a donation is requested. This is a very special and highly recommended experience for students.
Book memorable school trips to Ypres with NST!
For teachers planning educational school trips to Ypres and tours to World War 1 Battlefields, choosing the right travel partner is crucial.
NST has specialised in school travel since 1967, earning a reputation for safety, educational value, and expertly planned itineraries. When you book a battlefield trip with NST, you’ll get:
- Access to Ypres Lodge and Château d’Ebblinghem with multi‑bedded student rooms to teacher lounges, and onsite evening activities.
- Subject Experts - All of our professional academics, historians and writers have incomparable knowledge of their subject area. They have the ability to communicate their learning in a way that will enlighten and stimulate your pupils whilst on a battlefield trip.
- Safety - All transport, hotels and excursions are risk‑assessed under NST’s audited Safety Management System, giving senior leaders confidence to approve the visit.
- ABTA & ATOL protection - This provides you with financial security and peace of mind that you're protected no matter what.
Get in touch with our friendly team on 0330 333 6090 and we’ll be happy to help with your enquiry. Or, request a quote and we'll be in touch the next working day. We're also offering same-day quotes if teachers enquire before 3:00 PM!