Southport has been selected to host the national Armed Forces Day event in 2027.
The announcement was made as tens of thousands of people gathered in Aldershot and at events across the country to mark Armed Forces Day.
More than 230 events took place across the UK, bringing together serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, families and supporters.
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This year’s national event was held in Aldershot, the historic home of the British Army, and was attended by Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP.
The event included a parade of Armed Forces personnel and military bands from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force.
A Royal Air Force A400M Atlas aircraft and a Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight took part in a flypast over the celebrations.
Three military parachute display teams, the British Army Red Devils, the Royal Air Force Falcons and the Royal Navy Raiders, also dropped into the main arena.
While in Aldershot, the Defence Secretary announced that Southport will host the 2027 national event.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said: “Armed Forces Day is an extraordinary opportunity for our nation to come together to thank the people who keep this country safe, and all those who support them.
“It’s an honour to join the celebrations in Aldershot alongside thousands of people to pay tribute to the exceptional courage and dedication of all our personnel.
“Southport already hosts the largest Armed Forces event in their region, and as community that knows about resilience and coming together, it is fitting that they will host the 2027 national day. I congratulate all those involved in the successful bid.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said: “Armed Forces Day is about more than a parade or a flypast – it’s about the bond between those who serve and the society they protect. In Aldershot today that bond was on full display, and I’m proud of every service person who took part.
“Maintaining that connection is essential to our strength as a force. Southport has a strong Armed Forces presence and proud tradition of support, and I look forward to seeing it host a fitting national celebration next year.”
Southport will welcome Armed Forces families, veterans, cadets and supporters from across the North West for the 2027 national event.
The event will be supported by Sefton Council and the Southport Armed Forces Community Hub.
The town’s winning bid described the event as “a national statement of service, resilience, unity and renewal”.
Mayor of Sefton Councillor Jennifer Corcoran said: “Sefton has a proud and longstanding connection with our Armed Forces, and it is a tremendous honour for Southport to host the national Armed Forces Day next year.
“This announcement recognises the dedication and sacrifice of our service personnel, veterans and their families and also the strong sense of community we have here in Southport. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to celebrate, reflect and show our collective support for those who serve.”
Councillor Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, said: “We are incredibly proud that Southport has been chosen to host Armed Forces Day 2027. This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a national spotlight on our borough, while paying tribute to the bravery and commitment of our Armed Forces community.
“Across Sefton, we recognise the invaluable contribution made by serving personnel, veterans and their families, and we are committed to ensuring they feel supported and valued. We look forward to working with partners to deliver a memorable and fitting event that brings residents and visitors together in celebration and gratitude.”
Southport already hosts the largest Armed Forces Day community event in North West England and has experience planning large public events, including the Southport Airshow and the British Musical Fireworks Championship.
The Ministry of Defence invites bids from communities across the UK to host the national Armed Forces Day event.
The winning host receives £50,000 in event funding from the MOD, access to military assets such as flypasts, equipment and bands, and planning and communications support.
Major Nick McEntee, director of Southport Armed Forces Community Hub, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Southport has been selected to host the National Armed Forces Day 2027 celebrations.
“This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the strength of the partnership between Southport’s Armed Forces Community Hub, the wider Armed Forces community in our town and Sefton Council. Together, we have a shared ambition to deliver an event that recognises and celebrates those who serve, those who have served, and the families and loved ones who support them.
“Southport already hosts one of the most respected Armed Forces Day events in the UK, and National Armed Forces Day 2027 gives us an even greater opportunity to showcase our incredible seaside town to a national audience while saying a huge thank you to our Armed Forces community.
“The hard work starts now, but our volunteers are ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. We can’t wait to work together to bring this unforgettable event to Southport alongside Sefton Council.”
Armed Forces Day is the culmination of Armed Forces Week and is held each year to recognise serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets, families and supporters.
The Ministry of Defence said the event also supports the wider aim, set out in the Strategic Defence Review, of rebuilding the relationship between the Armed Forces and civilian society as part of a whole-of-society approach to defence.
