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All you need to know about Plymouth Armed Forces Day 2026

  • Jun 24
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 25

Plymouth Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock International, returns on Saturday 27 June for another day of family-friendly activities and a fantastic opportunity for everyone to show their support of the military community.



When and where is it?


Plymouth Armed Forces Day 2026 takes place on Saturday 27 June. The event opens at 10am until 5pm, with the free evening concert taking place from 5.30pm until 10.30pm.


What to see and do


Discover the military and emergency services

Step inside the Military Villages and meet serving members from across the Armed Forces. Get up close to their vehicles and equipment, and chat with serving personnel about exciting career opportunities.


Put your skills to the test with hands-on experiences, from the Royal Navy Dive Tank and Royal Marines Raiding Craft to the RAF Cadet simulators.


Make sure to explore the Emergency Services zone, showcasing specialist equipment from the Fire Service, Police, RNLI, Coastguard, and Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth.


Watch live performances at the arena

As ever, there is a packed programme to enjoy at the Arena for Armed Forces Day with an array of demonstrations, parades and live music to look forward to throughout the day. Watch the Parade of Standards led at 11am, all veterans are invited to join. 


There will be performances from the Blokes who Sing, Rock Choir and a thrilling REORG Ju Jitsu Demonstration in the arena.


Don’t miss the exciting Future Fit Junior Field Gun tournaments taking place throughout the day from their dedicated arena at the Elliot Street end of Plymouth Hoe. 

 


Visit the Veterans’ Village 

 

The Veterans' Village is once again sponsored by the Royal British Legion Devon County and will host over 100 local charities and organisations, each offering information and advice to the serving members of our Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. 


Watch the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Flypast

Taking place at 5pm (subject to weather conditions) look to the skies as a Hurricane, a Spitfire and a Dakota plane fly past.


The BBMF commemorates all those who have lost their lives serving in the RAF, or its predecessor the Royal Flying Corps, in all conflicts from 1914 up to the present day. The BBMF fleet of World War Two aircraft is preserved in flying condition as a living tribute to them, to promote the modern-day Air Force and to inspire future generations.



Listen to Live Music

There's a range of music to enjoy during the day at Armed Forces Day with the likes of Plymouth Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Military Wives Choir, the Armed Forces Choir and more performing on the main stage.


Then from 5.30pm, the main stage on Plymouth Hoe will host an amazing free evening concert, sponsored by C&G Catering. 


Listen to live performances from :


Marmalade - 5.30pm to 6.30pm

The Vibes - 6.50pm to 7.50pm

Riviera Dogs - 8.10pm to 9.10pm

Authentic Elton - 9.30pm to 10.30pm


Find out more about the live music at Armed Forces Day.


How to get to Plymouth Armed Forces Day


If you’re coming along to Armed Forces Day, why not look at alternative transport, rather than bringing your car. Connect Plymouth have some great ways to help reduce Plymouth’s carbon footprint, including the brilliant Beryl Bikes, which are also doing free taster sessions in the main arena during the day. 

 

If you do need to travel by car then there are lots of car parks within walking distance, the closest being the Theatre Royal Car Park. Find somewhere to park on the Plymouth City Council website. 

 

If you’re travelling by bus, then services from all across the city will stop at Royal Parade which is then just a ten-minute walk to Plymouth Hoe. 

 

Plymouth Citybus are offering free bus travel on Armed Forces Day to military personnel, veterans and cadets with ID. 

 

All visitors arriving by car are encouraged to use Plymouth’s Park and Ride services to Royal Parade which is approximately a 10 minute walk up to the Hoe. 

 

If you were planning to travel by train, please check the GWR website for the latest rail times. Find out more about how to plan your journey to Armed Forces Day. 


Food and Drink


Enjoy a wide selection of hot and cold food and drinks across the Hoe, provided by C&G Catering


Grab a reusable Plymouth souvenir cup for just £1 with your first purchase, valid all day. 


There is a free water fill station which can be found next to the Plymouth Naval Memorial to help you stay hydrated! 


Access information


There is a designated viewing area for people with access needs, to view the main stage and arena. 

 

Accessible toilets can be found at both ends of the Hoe. The Hoe’s permanent public toilets also include 8 gender neutral toilets and 1 disabled toilet with baby changing facilities 

 

There will be no disabled parking on Plymouth Hoe but Ballard House car park on West Hoe Road is available for blue badge holders, plus the use of on-street parking. 



Road Closures


The following road closures will take place on Saturday 27 June 2026, for Armed Forces Day:

​

Hoe Road

  • ​From the Mound at the Citadel to the Junction of Madeira Road, with suspension of parking from 7am to 10.30pm.

 

Citadel Road

  • ​From the junction of Lockyer Street to the junction of Sussex Street from 5pm to 7pm with suspension of parking 7am to 7pm.

 

Suspension of parking

  • ​At Osbourne Place entrance to the Hoe to the junction with The Esplanades from 7am to 7pm. 

 

​View the road closure map for the day.


Weather Advice


Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the warm weather, including bringing sunscreen, wearing a hat, and drinking plenty of water whenever possible.

 
 
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