Blesma are honoured to support Armed Forces Day. This year's Armed Forces Day is especially significant due to the 80th anniversary of D-Day and ongoing conflicts around the world, which highlights even more how much our Armed Forces are valued and needed.
Are you ready to show your support for Armed Forces? Armed Forces Day is the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to serving men, women, veterans, cadets an their families. Find all the information you need about Armed Forces Day 2024, including the date, history, events, celebration ideas, volunteer opportunities, and more.
When is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day 2024 will take place on Saturday, 29th June 2024. This annual event is celebrated on the last Saturday of June each year. Armed Forces Day also coincides with Armed Forces Week, which begins this year on Monday, 24th June.
About Armed Forces Day
The event is a nationwide celebration that brings together communities to recognise the dedication, and sacrifices of the men and women from the Army, Navy, RAF and the Cadets. It's an opportunity for people from all walks of life to show their support and gratitude for their service.
History of Armed Forces Day
The history of the Armed Forces Day dates back to 2006, when it was originally called Veterans' Day. Since then, it has become an annual British tradition to honour the collective efforts of our brave men and women, both past and present.
The Armed Forces Day Parade
One of the highlights of the day are the spectacular parades that take place across the country in cities, towns and villages. The parades often feature military bands, marching troops, and displays of military vehicles, offering a visual spectacle for all attendees.
Armed Forces Day celebrations aren't just limited to one day. Events are held across the country through Armed Forces Week, and due to the 80th anniversary of D-Day, special Armed Forces events will being take place across June, including street parties, concerts, garden parties and village fetes.
Events and Celebrations Across the UK
Notable Armed Forces Day events are held in the following locations. To find an event close to you, visit the Armed Forces Day events calendar.
- Scarborough: Scarborough has held an event annually since 2009. Scarborough hosted the National Event in 2022. This year, they intend to host the town's event once again within the footprint of the South Bay. On average, there are at least 20,000 people attending each year before the national event.
- Cleethorpes: North East Lincolnshire's Armed Forces Day will span three days, beginning Friday 28th June and ending Sunday 30th June, making it one of the largest Armed Forces Day events in the country. Throughout the course of the weekend, there will be a carnival, live music, a military parade and air display.
- Plymouth: Plymouth Armed Forces Day prides itself as being one of the largest Armed Forces Day events in the South West with over 40,000 attendees expected to attend.
- Portsmouth: There will be a special Armed Forces Day event taking place early on Saturday, 8th June with a Red Arrows display over Southsea Common.
- Falmouth: In 2023, Falmouth hosted the national event for Armed Forces Day. This year from 29th - 30th June, Armed Forces personnel will be offered a tour of Falmouth Harbour and Bay.
- Doncaster: On 29th June, the City of Doncaster will hold a free event at Elmfield Park and there will be a parade from the city centre.
- London: There will be various events taking place across London, such as Armed Forces Day in Battersea Park on 7th July and in Woolwich on 29th June.
Armed Forces Day Celebration Ideas
If you're looking to commemorate the weekend in your own way, here are a few celebration ideas:
- Host a community event: Organise a gathering in your local community. This could include speeches, live music, and interactive activities for attendees.
- Fly a flag: Show your support by displaying an Armed Forces Day flag outside your home or business.
- Volunteer your time: Check if there are any volunteering opportunities available on Armed Forces Day. At Blesma, we sometimes hold collections at train stations and Armed Forces Day events to support our veterans. If you're interested in helping out this year, please email fundraising@blesma.org.
Discounts on Armed Forces Day
Many businesses and organisations offer special discounts and deals as a token of appreciation. Keep an eye out for local promotions and discounts that you can avail yourself of to show your support.
Armed Forces Day Volunteer Opportunities
If you're interested in giving back to the forces community, Armed Forces Day offers several volunteer opportunities. You can participate in activities like bucket collections or magazine distribution to help raise funds and awareness for organisations like Blesma.
We can help
We are dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or sight. We support these men and women in their communities throughout the UK. Click the link below to find out the different kinds of support we offer.
Get Support