Armed Forces Day logo

28 June 2025

Armed Forces Day

Taunton — 5 July 2025

Somerset Armed Forces Day 2025

When
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location
Upper High Street
Taunton
England
TA1 3QB
United Kingdom

Tell us what its about (briefly)
We will hold a free to enter fun day in the park
SAFD 25 will be held under the auspices of the National AFD event mandate. A chance for those attending to show their support to the Armed Forces family.
Who it’s for (briefly)
Entry for ALL
• inclusive & therefore non-discriminatory
• Our venue is able to cater for all in regard to physical abilities.
• We have DDA adapted WCs as part of the publicly owned venue
What will happen on the day (briefly)
The show will provide entertainment and interest by means of
• arena and stage acts,
• static displays,
• historical re-enactment groups
• historical military vehicle and equipment stands
• trade and charity stalls,
• specific Armed Forces related charity and support information posts
• food retailers.
• a chance for all attendees to interact with serving and former military personnel
Background
We have submitted appropriate bids for
• the RAF Red Arrows and BBMF Flyovers to again take place,
• further we have a lodged bid for the attendance of a Military Marching Band.
Further
• We have engagement and confirmed, attendance and support from MoD (Army)SW Regional Engagement Teams.
• as well as our colleagues from the Civilian Emergency Services,
• and of course our local Uniformed Cadet Service Units.

SAFD is a CiC formed of volunteers from the local veterans group, working in collaboration with and the engagement of Taunton Town, and Somerset Councils’. We strive to engender support of local businesses in the provision of goods and services in return for marketing opportunities via our social media and web page. Our SAFD 24 attracted over 36 thousand people to the event our aim is to again attract as many folks as we are able to do and provide for them all an enjoyable day out.

END OF BRIEF REPLY

Full response SUMMARY

SAFD committee is a CIC, (13516007) organised and managed by unpaid volunteers.
SAFD is an opportunity for us all to show our support for those who make up our Armed Forces community: those currently serving, reserves, cadets, veterans, and their families.
SAFD is an all-inclusive, non-discriminatory event, the largest free-to-attend event in Somerset.
SAFD consists of military and non-military arena displays and re-enactments, stage performances including choirs, bands, and singers, military and historic vehicles, emergency services interactive child-friendly zones, trade, craft, multi-cultural food and beverage stalls, hospitality marquee for major contributors and dignitaries, fly past by the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, plus a free-fall parachute display team. A local radio station will run an information PA commentary throughout the day. SAFD had 36000 visitors in 2024. We adhere to the Armed Forces Covenant and aim to demonstrate the value of the Armed Forces’ contribution and that they have our respect and support.

EXPECTED NUMBERS 36000

EVENT CONTENT

IN THE PAST THE ARMED FORCES HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED AROUND THE WORLD, OFTEN IN DANGEROUS AND DIFFICULT CONDITIONS. THEY HELP OTHER NATIONS’ HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING EFFORTS, WHILE ALSO PROTECTING THE UK AND ASSISTING IN LOCAL RELIEF EFFORTS. HOW WILL YOUR EVENT RECOGNISE THIS CONTRIBUTION?

Units representing all the Armed Forces will have vehicles and equipment on display to demonstrate the support they have offered across dangerous and difficult conditions and global humanitarian and peacekeeping deployments. They will interact with the public not only discussing the above, but also their protection of the UK in instances such as border control during strikes of airport personnel, and assisting in local relief efforts, notably more recently with flood clean-up and rescue. Radio and Press interviews will be held throughout the day with community leaders to highlight the benefits the Armed Forces community brings to the whole of society.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES WILL THERE BE AT YOUR EVENT FOR THE ARMED FORCES TO DEMONSTRATE THANKS TOWARDS YOUR COMMUNITY?

Service groups will have stalls to explain support they offer and can provide for veterans, and Service families, and how they can assist in the wider community, with examples of focussed community assistance. They will demonstrate the importance of community support, that they are part of the wider community, and that they appreciate the support afforded not only to them, but to their families.

HOW WILL YOUR EVENT APPEAL TO A DIVERSE RANGE OF ETHNIC, GENDER AND AGE GROUPS. OUTLINE HOW YOU MIGHT APPEAL TO THESE GROUPS.

SAFD is an all-inclusive non-discriminatory event. SAFD is designed to show and celebrate our diverse community, which includes the Armed Forces. Our marketing strategy reflects this inclusivity and reinforces that the event is open to all. Military displays and recruitment teams will have representation from all the Armed Forces, including the LGBTQ+ team. Serving personnel will be from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, of varying ages, and inclusive of disabilities/impairment, and gender orientation. Veterans and serving personnel from conflicts from WWII to the present day will engage with the public to share their experiences and talk about the changes over the years. Diverse recruitment teams and veterans’ groups will engage with the public to talk about life in the Armed Forces community, the opportunities available, which are open to all and non-discriminatory. Displays and demonstrations will be designed to appeal to all, showing how inclusive and diverse the Armed Forces are, and that all are valued within the Services community without discrimination. Ethnic, LGBTQ+, age, disability/impairment, and disadvantaged groups can be seen amongst the attendees, the cadets, the reserves, the regulars, and the veterans. The SAFD team engage with, support and encourage the local Councils and diversity groups to become involved with the event. Food stalls at the event will be multi-cultural. The venue, Vivary Park, Taunton, is a public space occupying a large, level plot. It affords metalled, well-maintained walkways around the entire site, these being wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly. Within the Park there are Council operated public conveniences which are DDA compliant.

ADVERTISING AND MEDIA

The SAFD CIC has shared details of SAFD25 with military units and veterans groups across Somerset.
We have a managed website promoting the event and offering opportunities to become involved.
We have a professional marketing team promoting the event and seeking sponsorship. Social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram are also used. There are links to the National AFD website. Local television, radio, newspapers and magazines are raising awareness, with regular editorials. Local businesses, associations, community groups and veterans’ breakfast clubs have been contacted to promote SAFD on their platforms. Town and County Councils and sponsors promote SAFD on their websites. We seek to promote SAFD at other events and via the Chamber of Commerce. Banners, posters and flyers will be distributed across Somerset nearer the day. There will be live broadcasting to the area, and an information PA commentary throughout the day to ensure the public are aware of what’s happening, when and where, as well as an Information Desk.

PLEASE OUTLINE YOUR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE YOU MAY HAVE IN ADMINISTERING AN ARMED FORCES DAY EVENT

SAFD committee is a CIC made up of veterans, with some Reserve and Serving members of the Armed Forces offering advice and support, and team volunteers. The group has previous experience managing diverse events such as Army v Navy Rugby, The Royal Tournament, Military Tattoos and concerts. The event will have key managers responsible for security, facilities, arena, performance stage, safety, and marshals. Event Plan, Risk Assessments and Governance are in place, which include Police, Fire & Rescue and Ambulance Services. Communication channels are in place for contact with volunteers, the main team, the public, and the participants. SAFD has grown from 3500 visitors in 2019 to 36000 in 2024, and every effort has been made to ensure fast and efficient communication methods with all involved. Post-event feedback is appreciated via websites and social media. Post-event team feedback will discuss the event, with suggestions for improvements for SAFD26.

IF YOU HAVE LISTED SPONSORSHIP INCOME ABOVE PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PLANS TO RAISE FUNDS HERE

Businesses have been approached to generate funds, by sponsorship, banner and media advertising, pitches/stalls to promote themselves, or to offer services or facilities free of charge. Councils have been approached to make financial contributions. Memorabilia will be sold at the event.