Communities right across the country will celebrate Armed Forces Day organising events in the week of 21 June.
Parades and flypasts are some of the most popular events at many AFD events, but there will be many other interesting displays to see and activities to try at your local celebration. We’ve spoken to a few areas to see what they’re planning.
Plymouth
With a huge Naval tradition in the area, Plymouth always puts on a fantastic Armed Forces Day, and this year they’re as ambitious as ever.
Portsmouth’s celebrations will include flypasts and air displays from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, and a sailpast from the Royal Navy Minehunter HMS Hurworth. The city will also hold a Field Gun competition, with local schoolchildren competing against the local Marine Cadet Corps as well as heats between local Naval and Army teams.
Bands including a U2 tribute act will entertain crowds during the day and a BBC exhibition will offer visitors the chance to meet popular CBeebies children’s television characters and to have a go at being a sports commentator.
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire’s Armed Forces Day is a must for local animal lovers.
Retired military horses will be there from horse welfare charity the Horse Trust, and care dogs from Canine Partners will be showcasing their special skills, that help injured servicemen and women with everyday living, from being able to unload a washing machine to raising the alarm in an emergency,
Music, a funfair, a zip wire and childrens’ activities will top off the day.
To find out what’s going on near you head to our Find Events section.