The event will be the flagship of hundreds of gatherings held across the UK providing a national focus for the country to show its support for the armed forces community.
The successful host will receive a £50,000 grant from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to stage the event alongside military assets and personnel at no cost. This could include a flypast by the Red Arrows or other Royal Air Force aircraft, a visit by a Royal Navy ship or a performance by military bands.
Previous hosts of the Armed Forces Day national event have included Cleethorpes (2025), Cornwall (2023), Scarborough (2022) and Salisbury (2019).
These events offer an opportunity for communities to show their support for service personnel, their families, veterans and cadets.
The successful bidder will need to demonstrate a clear vision for an event that:
- creates meaningful opportunities for the public to interact with serving members of the UK Armed Forces
- showcases local pride in the work and contribution of the armed forces
- offers a chance for the community to thank the entire armed forces community
- is inclusive and accessible for everyone, with provisions for those with access or sensory needs
- connects the armed forces community with the service charities that provide them with vital support
Bids are welcomed from organisations that can demonstrate a strong existing connection to the armed forces, experience in managing large-scale public events, a solid funding plan and established engagement with local military and defence industry employers.
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