Armed Forces Day national event 2026
The Ministry of Defence is delighted to announce that Rushmoor Borough Council of Aldershot and Farnborough will host the next Armed Forces Day national event in Aldershot and Farnborough.
The national event is the centrepiece of Armed Forces Day, alongside hundreds of other events held across the UK.
The UK’s flagship Armed Forces Day celebration will take place in Aldershot on Saturday 27 June 2026.
Bid to host the 2027 national event
The applications process to host the Armed Forces Day national event 2027 is now open.
The successful town, city, or region will receive support from the Ministry of Defence including £50,000 of funding, bespoke access to military assets, VIP attendance, and communications support.
Hosting the national event provides a unique opportunity to:
- Host a celebration of national scale and significance
- Demonstrate support for the entire Armed Forces community
- Bring together serving personnel, veterans, cadets, and their families
- Attract visitors to your region
- Boost community ties in your area
- Provide a space for the British public to show their appreciation for the Armed Forces
Previous Armed Forces Day national event hosts include:
- Cleethorpes (2025)
- Falmouth (2023)
- Scarborough (2022)
- Salisbury (2019)
Bidders’ briefing
To support potential bidders, the Ministry of Defence will host an online briefing to explain the application process and provide an opportunity to ask questions about your bid.
Process briefing: Wednesday 8 April, 11:00 – 12:00
Bid submission deadline: Friday 15 May, 17:00
Winning bid announced: At the Armed Forces Day national event 2026, Saturday 27 June.
To register your interest in attending this session, please email armedforcesday-events@mod.gov.uk
Eligibility
A successful bid to host the Armed Forces Day national event should set out a clear plan that:
- creates opportunities for the public to meet serving members of the UK Armed Forces
- demonstrates local pride and gratitude for the contribution of the Armed Forces
- is inclusive and accessible, with provisions for those with access or sensory needs, and engages with all members of the community
- connects attendees with Armed Forces charities and support organisations
Who can apply?
Bids are welcomed from organisations that can demonstrate:
- a strong existing connection to the Armed Forces community:
- a local military base
- a large veteran population
- a significant historical military landmark
- experience in managing large-scale public events, considering aspects such as road closures, safety, and crowd management
- a solid funding plan
- established engagement with local military establishment and defence industry employers
How to apply
Bids must be submitted 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 winning bidder will be contacted by the MOD ahead of the public announcement.
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
- attendance from VIP guests
- assistance with communications and media coverage
- military assets and personnel at no cost, which could include:
- a ‘military village’ with military activities and experiences
- a flypast or air display
- a Royal Navy ship
- military personnel for a parade
- military bands