The national event for Armed Forces Day is back – Defence Secretary, John Healey MP has directed that towns and cities across the UK can once again bid to host the Armed Forces Day national event and become a focal point for national celebrations.
And Cleethorpes has been announced as the national event for this year’s celebrations on Saturday 28 June – two weeks today. There has not been a national event since 2023 with Cleethorpes hosting it in 2016.
The decision to halt Armed Forces Day national events, made under the previous government in 2023 has been reversed and bidding for the 2026 event will open this summer. The successful local authority will secure an additional budget of up to £50,000 and an enhanced contribution from the Armed Forces who will supply personnel, equipment, vehicles and aircraft to mark the event.
For this year’s celebrations, Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire will host the flagship national event, taking place on 28 June.
The area has strong military links and a rich tradition of honouring the Armed Forces. The Red Arrows are expected to perform, as well as modern and historic aircraft. There will be military villages, bands and a parade including veterans, cadets and personnel from across all three services.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “As our Second World War and National Service generation sadly fall in number, the need to reconnect Britain with serving personnel is more important than ever. Armed Forces Day will therefore become bigger and bolder. This day will continue to be about gratitude but also about deepening people’s knowledge of what the Armed Forces have to offer.
“In a new era of threat, building society’s understanding of what the Armed Forces do to deter that threat and keep us safe is vital. I am grateful to Cleethorpes, an area with proud links to our Armed Forces, and to North East Lincolnshire Council and Melanie Onn MP, for stepping up and providing a focal point to this year’s celebrations, delivering on our Government’s Plan for Change.”
This announcement follows the publication of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which set out the vision for a whole of society approach to defence, wider participation in national resilience and the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.
Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said:
“North East Lincolnshire has a proud tradition of supporting our armed forces, with many veterans living locally and groups like NEL4Heroes doing outstanding work in our community to help them get back into civilian life.
“Armed Forces Day is one of the biggest events in Cleethorpes, drawing in around a quarter of a million visitors each year and showcasing the very best of our community spirit. Back in October, I launched a campaign for Cleethorpes to once again host the national event, and I’m absolutely thrilled the Defence Secretary has listened and acted.
“This is more than just a celebration of our Armed Forces, it’s recognition of the tireless efforts of local organisers and volunteers who make the weekend such a success year after year. It’s an unbelievably proud moment for Cleethorpes.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“We are all naturally delighted and honoured that Cleethorpes’ event has once again been recognised in this way and awarded national status for a second time. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved, led by our Armed Forces Major Events Team.
“This weekend has become the highlight in our events calendar with record crowds last year. The main day on Saturday is one of celebration, thanks, and reflection as we honour those who have served our nation – past and present – whilst enjoying the parade and the fantastic air displays. We look forward to showcasing the very best of Cleethorpes and North East Lincolnshire.”
Alex Baxter, Managing Director of the Armed Forces Major Events and Engagement Team (AFMET) behind the North East Lincolnshire event, said:
“This is a huge recognition, yet again, of the way in which our Armed Forces Weekend is organised, managed, and has grown. The success of Armed Forces Day year after year is made possible here in North East Lincolnshire by the unwavering dedication, commitment, and professionalism of a small team of unpaid volunteers in the Armed Forces Major Events and Engagement Team. Collaborating closely with a select group of industry sponsors and the local authority, our team engages in meticulous planning that spans an entire year. Throughout this process, they continue to offer support to the entire armed forces community, both within the borough and beyond.
“Moreover, this initiative fosters unity within our community, bringing people together to recognise and honour the invaluable contributions made by our armed forces. An essential aspect of our work is also dedicated to providing additional support to less fortunate veterans, ensuring their needs are addressed throughout the year. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to rise to the challenge and deliver yet another outstanding National Armed Forces weekend.”
Armed Forces Day has become a fixture of the national calendar since its establishment in 2008, when it was created as a way of thanking British personnel who had fought in Afghanistan for their service.
The day is the culmination of Armed Forces Week (w/c 23 June) which aims to raise awareness of how the military keep Britain safe at home and secure abroad. The activity that takes place during this week is intended to educate the public on the role of the Armed Forces, showcase the unrivalled opportunities and skilled trades that a career in the Armed Forces can offer and celebrate the whole of the Armed Forces community, including cadets, veterans, reservists, and service families.
*Pictures by Duncan Young
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