Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the frequently asked questions page for Plymouth Armed Forces Day, a national celebration of the men and women who serve and have served in the Armed Forces. Here you will find answers to some of the most common questions about this exciting and family-friendly event, which will take place on Saturday 29 June 2024, on Plymouth Hoe.
If you have any other questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to seeing you at Plymouth Armed Forces Day 2024
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Logistics
When is Plymouth Armed Forces Day?
Saturday 29 June 2024
What are the opening times for Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day starts at 10am
What time does Armed Forces Day close?
Armed Forces Day will end at 5pm, but the Evening Concert will continue until 10.30pm
Is Armed Forces Day free to attend?
Yes, both Armed Forces Day and the Evening Concert are free to attend.
Where is the entrance to the event?
There are various ways to access the Hoe. The most direct from Royal Parade, is to head up Armada Way, and is approximately a 10 minute walk.
If travelling from the Barbican, access via Hoe Road or Lambhay Hill. But please note road closures if travelling by car.
Can I bring chairs to the event?
Yes, chairs are permitted. Please note the area does get busy.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes dogs are permitted, but please note this is a very busy event with crowds and loud noises.
Is there an Armed Forces Day programme?
Yes, the programme will be from available from 1st June from the Tourist Information Centre and local libraries, and also on the website.
Is Smeaton’s Tower open to the public during Armed Forces Day?
Yes, Smeaton's Tower will be open, unless there is an emergency and we need to close it to the public.
Evening Concert
Where does the Evening Concert take place?
This will take place on Plymouth Hoe, towards the ramp end.
What time does the Evening Concert start and finish?
The Evening Concert will start at 5.30pm and finish at 10.30pm.
Is the Evening Concert free?
Yes, it is free to attend
Is there an age restriction to attend the Evening Concert?
No, all ages are welcome to attend.
Who is playing at the Evening Concert?
The line-up includes:
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Feel Good Factory
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Riptide
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Rockafella
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The Big Strut
Photography and Film
Can I bring a drone to the event?
No, drones are NOT permitted to fly across the event space of Plymouth Hoe, during the event. This is a safety requirement.
Can I film or photograph the event?
Yes, recreational photography of the event is allowed, however we ask that you be respectful of other people's privacy at all times.
Advance permission is required for commercial photography or filming, please email: FilmPlymouth@plymouth.gov.uk
Refreshments
Can I bring my own food and drink into the event?
Yes you can, but please take you litter home with you, or use the appropriate bins on site. If possible, please avoid glass containers.
Is there somewhere I can fill my water bottle?
Yes there will be a water station in front of the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Can I bring alcohol into the event?
Yes if you are age 18 or over. Please drink appropriately.
Can I purchase food and drink at the event?
Yes there will be a selection of food and drink stalls, serving hot and cold snacks and drinks, including vegan and vegetarian food options.
Will there be alcohol available to purchase at the event?
Yes alcohol will be available to purchase from the licensed bars on site.
No alcohol will be served to anyone under the age of 18. A check 25 age verification policy will be in operation at all times and photographic identification showing proof of age may be required.
How do I pay for food or drink at the event?
Cash is the preferred method, as the WIFI signal for card payments can be intermittent due to volume of people attending.
Where is there nearest cashpoint?
The nearest cashpoint is located at Tesco Metro at Notte Street or on Southside Street.
Welfare
Will there be toilets and disabled toilets at the venue?
Yes there will be toilets and disabled toilets on site and nearby.
Find the full details on toilets at Armed Forces Day.
Parking & Transport
Where is Plymouth Hoe and how do I get there?
Please visit the website for directions, if travelling by car, bus, train, walking or cycling. Find more details on our How to get here page.
Where should I park?
Please use public transport or the Park and Ride where possible.
There are plenty of car parks in the city centre within walking distance of the venue. A full list and car park maps is available from Find somewhere to park.
The nearest is the Theatre Royal Car Park.
There is limited on street parking around the Hoe area.
Are there any road closures in place?
Yes there are, here are the road closures for Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June:
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Hoe Road from the mound at the Citadel to the junction of Madeira Road, with the suspension of parking from 7am to 10.30pm
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Citadel Road from the junction of Lockyer Street to the junction of Sussex Street 5pm to 7pm with the suspension of parking from 7am to 7pm
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Suspension of parking at Osbourne Place entrance to the Hoe to the junction with The Esplanades from 7am to 7pm
Disabled Access
Will there be disabled parking on the Hoe?
No, not on the Hoe Promenade.
But there will be disabled parking in Ballard House car park (West Hoe Road, PL1 3BJ) for approximately 30 car parking spaces for blue badge holders, plus the use of on-street parking.
The 25B bus supplied by Citybus will operate a shuttle service between Ballard House, Royal Parade (outside the Theatre Royal) Hoe Road (near the Hoe ramp) and back to Ballard House at 30-minute intervals. Starting from Ballard House from 8.30am with the last departure from Hoe Road being at 6.30pm.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Yes, assistance dogs are welcome onsite.
Access on the site
Plymouth Armed Forces Day takes place on Plymouth Hoe, which is accessible to all with wide tarmac paths. All paths are suitable for wheelchairs and prams. There are grassy areas too and some seating.
Will there be an allocated viewing area for people with access needs?
Yes there is a designated viewing area for people with access needs, to view the main stage and the main arena. This is shown on the map.
Will there be disabled toilets?
Yes, there will be unisex disabled toilets located onsite.
There are also accessible toilets at both ends of the Hoe. The Hoe’s new permanent public toilets include six unisex toilets, with one additional accessible toilet and large, accessible changing room. This means the new facilities can be used safely and comfortably by all people with disabilities.
Safety Information
Remember to come prepared for all weathers, rain coat and sunscreen!
Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Look after each other – agree a meeting point if you get separated from friends or family
Our on-site medical staff are there to help you if you feel unwell
If you do lose your child, please speak to the security or steward who will be identified by their hi-vis and lanyard. There is a lost children area, located on the map, at the Bowling Club.
There will be a Zero tolerance policy in force. The organisers reserve the right to eject any people for anti-social or threatening behaviour, actions likely to cause damage or injury, or failure to comply with the reasonable request of the organisers.
Challenge 25 will be in operation – please remember ID if you are lucky enough to look younger than you are!
Please remember Plymouth Hoe is close to nearby residential properties and we ask that you respect this at all times and when leaving the venue.
We hope you have a great time!