Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday in June each year, this year it is being celebrated on June 29th. During the week leading up to the event, organisations and the public show their support for the Armed forces and provide a valued morale boost for troops and their families.
In the lead-up to Armed Forces Day, we are holding events to celebrate the occasion:
Monday 24 June
Blackpool Armed Forces Week officially begins with the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag above the Town Hall in Talbot Square.
Wednesday 26 June
NAAFI Break
Time: 10:30am to 12pm
Location: The Corner Flag, Bloomfield Road
Followed by a Blackpool FC Stadium Tour after NAAFI Break from 1200-1300 with the famous Gary Whitehead.
Thursday 27 June
Coral Island is hosting its annual event for veterans from the UK’s Armed Forces, with a complimentary two-course carvery, The Buccaneer’s a full three-meat carvery, and a seasonal dessert, and a drink upon arrival. We hope that you will all come and join us in showing support to our brave service personnel this June and that our invited Armed Forces personnel and veterans enjoy our complimentary hospitality as a token of our gratitude for the work they have done for the UK. We hope that you will all come and join us in showing support to our brave service personal this June and that our invited Armed Forces personnel and veterans enjoy our complimentary hospitality as a token of our gratitude for the work they have done for the UK.
Booking is required, and a fully refundable deposit of £5 to secure a place call 01253 922182. Deposits will be returned on the day.
Friday 28 June
Founded by Don Aiken, a D-Day Veteran and located in the fields next to Moor park school, the Fylde Memorial Arboretum stands as an area of remembrance that provides the service associations, and the people of Blackpool and the Fylde, a place of peace and beauty in which to remember their fallen comrades and loved ones. As part of Blackpool Armed Forces week, the Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee will host a service of dedication at the centre of the Memorial Arboretum’s Glade area.
Time: 1100-1230
Location: Millennium Grove, Moor Park Avenue, Blackpool, FY2 0LY
Saturday 29 June
Blackpool Spitfire Visitor Centre Hangar Open Day
Time: 10am to 4pm
Location: Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre, Blackpool Airport, Squires Gate Lane, FY4 2QY
FREE for serving members of the UK Armed Forces and Veterans and their family members upon production of ID such as MOD 90, Veterans badge, Veterans ID card (Max 4 per party).
All other tickets are £10.00 Adults, Children 6-16 £5.00, age 5 and under Free.
Join us this Armed Forces Day for a range of activities and displays taking place at the Spitfire Visitor Centre to commemorate the vital role that the UK Armed Forces have played in the past, are currently taking part in and their potential roles in the future. The Spitfire Visitor Centre this year focuses on the Royal Air Force in World War Two and the vital part played by Groundcrews and Aircrews serving at RAF Squires Gate. The team of volunteers will bring to life the realities of wartime Blackpool and the sacrifices made by the Blackpool’s residents, in supporting the War effort, in the local Aircraft factories and across the resort.
Additional Charges apply to Cockpit Access photos and virtual reality experiences.
Conditions: NO PETS ALLOWED, NO VIDEO RECORDERS/Filming & NO BACK PACKS or similar items permitted.
Free Car Parking on site and Disabled facilities in H42.
Saturday 29 June
Blackpool Armed Forces Garden Party
The Marton Institute proudly hosts an Armed Forces Garden Party on National Armed Forces Day. Including: Outdoor bar, drinks offer for service personnel, live entertainment, bouncy castle, and kids entertainment. Free entry for all!
Time: from 1pm
Location: Marton Institute, Oxford Square.
Sunday 30 June
Service & Parade
Time: Assemble from 1030 Service 1100 Parade approx. 1130
Location: Blackpool Cenotaph/Promenade
Blackpool comes together to honour and unite Britain’s Armed Forces past, present and future in an emotional and fitting tribute to the Armed Forces Past, Present and Future. Attending the service will be veteran’s associations, cadets, serving military as well as their friends, families, and associates. Everyone is welcome to the service of appreciation that takes place within the grounds of Blackpool grade II listed War Memorial. Following the service, Blackpool invites members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and cadets to join in the military parade. Friends, family, and members of the general public are invited to line the route, cheer and wave their Union Flags.
Those wanting to lay wreaths may do so after the service.
