Anzac overnight Youth Vigil and Dawn Service 24 -25 April 2026

Edinburgh Park Scouts have participated in Smithfield Dawn Service since 2010, and overnight Vigils since their first inception in 2013, in the lead up to the 2015 service for the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

The City of Playford is proud to host commemorations with a strong youth focus, with young people aged between 12 to 18 leading an Overnight Vigil at the Smithfield Cross of Remembrance.

The City of Playford works in partnership with local service groups to deliver the overnight vigil at the Cross of Remembrance at Smithfield, including Ridley District Scouts, Air Force Cadets, St John Cadets, and Girl Guides. Members participate in the vigil’s opening ceremony, with the mounting of the Honour Guard, a flag raising ceremony and hat placing ceremony.
Groups then guard the Cross of Remembrance in shifts until the dawn service on ANZAC morning and the standing down of the youth guard.

Opening Ceremony information:
Friday, 24 April 2026 – Cross of Remembrance Memorial, Smithfield Memorial Gardens, Anderson Walk, Smithfield. 6.30pm – Start

Dawn Service commences at 0600H. People should be respectfully in place by 0545H.