29 June 2024

Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day to be celebrated with over 300 events nationwide

Today, towns and cities across the UK will mark the eleventh Armed Forces Day with over 300 events planned nationwide. Armed Forces Day is a chance for the whole country to celebrate the work of service personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and their families and friends.

350 Field Squadron (EOD) Royal Engineers celebrating Armed Forces Day with Armed Forces Day Flag whilst on exercise at Nottingham Forest Football Club.
MOD Crown Copyright.

This year’s national event will take place in Salisbury and will be attended by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne and Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt.

To celebrate Armed Forces Day a parade of more than 1,300 service personnel, cadets and veterans will parade through the streets of the city and thousands of visitors will be treated to a flypast by the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows and an aerial display by the British Army’s Parachute Regiment.

Tri-Service personnel pictured with the Armed Forces Day flag smiling.
MOD Crown Copyright.

Military musicians including bands from the Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force will entertain crowds during the parade. Salisbury will end the day’s celebrations with a concert including a performance by the Kaiser Chiefs.

To mark Armed Forces Day, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said:

“On Armed Forces Day we celebrate the exceptional contribution our service personnel, regular or reservist, veterans and their families make to our security and prosperity. The Armed Forces protect us and defend us around the world and serve communities throughout our country. With more than 300 events taking place across the UK, it’s incredible to see people coming together to show their support for the Armed Forces.”

Armed Forces personnel on exercise pictured with the Armed Forces Day flag.
MOD Crown Copyright.

Bids for the 2021 Armed Forces Day National Event will be invited from 1 December 2019 until 15 March 2020. Please email armedforcesday-events@mod.gov.uk nearer this time for the latest guidance on how to apply.