All tickets for Armed Forces Day have now been allocated. Only those who have applied for and received their tickets in advance will be able to gain entry on the day
However, you can still join in the celebrations. Click here to download the brochure of Medway’s Armed Forces week: from displays of military equipment to fire and circus shows, there’s something for everyone. You can also find another event taking place near you on our ‘Find an event’ page.
The first Armed Forces Day national event, taking place at The Historic Dockyard Chatham on 27 June, will be a day packed with ceremony, excitement, have-a-go adventure and commemoration. The public is invited to join veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces and members of Cadet organisations in a tribute to the services and to enjoy a great day out.
The event is free, but please apply for tickets in advance to ensure you can join us (including holders of The Historic Dockyard 12 month ticket), as tickets are not available on the day. Ticket request forms can be downloaded from the dockyard’s website www.thedockyard.co.uk; collected in person from Visitor Admissions at The Historic Dockyard, Tourist Information, centres around the county or collected from Medway Council contact points.
Armed Forces Day will commence with a Celebration Parade through Chatham town by the Navy, Army and RAF led by the band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. Veterans of all ages will join the parade as it proceeds along Dock Road into The Historic Dockyard where a royal salute will take place prior to an open air Drumhead service.
In the air, there will be appearances by the world renowned Red Arrows, aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and further fast-jet and helicopter assets are expected to be confirmed as the big day approaches.
Throughout the day, displays and activities will take place on land, water and in the air as some of the very best assets of the Armed Forces are put on show. There will be plenty of excitement for aviation buffs at Anchor Wharf, a British Army Expo, a Kids’ Activity Zone, a Sea Cadet Corps Village, “Soldiers Through-the-Ages” tableaux.
The heart of The Historic Dockyard, Museum Square will become the “Veterans’ Rendezvous” with music, food and drink. Also back by popular demand to entertain the veterans will be Forces Sweetheart KAS, who will be joined by the ‘Swinging Sweethearts’ singing duo.
In the main Armed Forces areas, adventure and fun will be the order of the day as young and old alike are invited to try their hands at a whole host of activities, including driving a digger, mine-detecting, an inflatable assault course, a shooting range and a climbing wall. On Anchor Wharf two aircraft – a Typhoon and Chinook – will be on display, Royal Naval ships to be open to visitors at Thunderbolt Pier within The Historic Dockyard and at Basin No.2, Chatham Maritime.
The military displays will be joined by those of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Kent Fire and Rescue, BAE Systems, HM Coastguard, Bactec International, military vehicle preservation groups, and many more.
At 6.00pm a separately ticketed Beating Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset will be led by the Band of HM Royal Marines on the historic riverfront. Tickets for this event are available at £12 (for tiered grandstand seating) and £8 (for ‘stalls’ non-tiered seats). To purchase tickets call in person to The Historic Dockyard Ticket office, telephone 01634 823826 for tickets or use the Armed Forces Day Ticket Request Form. Beating Retreat & Ceremonial Sunset is a fund-raising event in aid of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Help for Heroes and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).