The Ministry of Defence is inviting bids to host the next Armed Forces Day national event, which will take place on Saturday 27 June 2026.
This is a unique opportunity for a town, city, or region to stage a national celebration and show its support for our Armed Forces. The national event is the flagship of hundreds of events held across the country, providing a focus for the nation’s celebrations.
The successful bid will receive support from the Ministry of Defence in terms of funding, military assets, Government representation and a communications campaign.
Previous hosts have included Cleethorpes (2025), Falmouth (2023), Scarborough (2022), and Salisbury (2019). Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for communities to connect with the Armed Forces community – from currently serving personnel and their families to veterans and cadets – and to say ‘thank you’ for their service.
Key dates
- Bidders’ Conference: Wednesday 16 July 2025
- Bid submission deadline: Friday 29 August 2025
- Winning bid announced: Tuesday 30 September 2025
Eligibility
The successful bid will demonstrate a clear vision for an event that:
- creates opportunities for the public to meet and interact with serving members of the UK Armed Forces
- demonstrates local pride in the work and contribution of the Armed Forces
- offers a chance for the community to thank the entire Armed Forces community
- is inclusive and accessible for everyone, with provisions for those with access or sensory needs, and engages with all members of the community
- connects the Armed Forces community with the service charities that support them
Who can bid?
Bids are welcomed from organisations that can demonstrate:
- a strong existing connection to the Armed Forces community, which could be through a local military base, a large veteran population, cadet units, or a significant historical military landmark
- experience in managing large-scale public events, including aspects like road closures and safety and crowd management
- a solid plan for funding the event
- established engagement with local military establishment and defence industry employers
Support from the Ministry of Defence
The successful host will receive a comprehensive support package from the Ministry of Defence, which includes:
- £50,000 in funding
- military assets and personnel at no cost, which could include:
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- a ‘military village’ with military activities and experiences
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- a flypast or air display
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- a Royal Navy ship
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- military personnel for a parade
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- military bands
- attendance from VIP guests
- assistance with communications and media coverage
How to apply
Bids must be submitted by Friday 29 August 2025 by email to armedforcesday-events@mod.gov.uk.
If you wish to submit a hard copy (not required), please send it to:
Defence Commemorative Events Team, Zone 6N, Ministry of Defence Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB
The successful bid is expected to be announced on 30 September 2025.
Bidders’ Conference
To support potential bidders, the Ministry of Defence will host a virtual Bidders’ Conference on Wednesday 16 July 2025. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification.
To register your interest in the Conference, please email armedforcesday-events@mod.gov.uk