Plymouth comes together for a standout Armed Forces Week 2026

Thousands of visitors and residents gathered across Plymouth to honour service personnel past and present during a week-long Armed Forces celebration, culminating in a spectacular Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June, held in association with international defence company Babcock International Group (Babcock). For a city with a proud military heritage, the week provided a powerful opportunity for communities to come together in recognition and celebration.

The week began on Monday 22 June with the ceremonial raising of the Armed Forces flag outside Plymouth Guildhall. The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Kevin Sproston, and Commander Maxine Burgess, HMNB Devonport Base Executive Officer, alongside military representatives and civic leaders.

Excitement built among participants and spectators at the Strength of Spirit Games Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Navy and sponsored by Defence Recovery. The city welcomed approximately 100 remarkable competitors including an international team from the Netherlands, who came together for this Tri-Service adaptive recovery event, supporting personnel in recovery and a cohort of Service veterans.

Participants began with a row on static rowing machines on Plymouth Hoe, followed by a swim at the iconic art-deco Tinside Lido. The event concluded with cycle time trials around the Hoe, before competitors crossed the all-important finish line. The event was further adapted in response to the weather conditions.

Awards were presented across several categories, with Sean Childs (31:21) and Jodie Cloake (41:10) winning the Full Distance men’s and women’s events, and Spencer Turner (21:34) and Abi Pearce taking top spots in the Sprint Distance. The winning relay team, The Condor (33:14), travelled from 45 Commando Royal Marines in Arbroath, Scotland.

The Plymouth School Sports Partnership Junior Rowing Challenge returned for its third year, welcoming children from military families, representing local primary schools. Elburton Primary School claimed the overall team title. Thanks were extended to event partners including South West Highways, Plymouth Active Leisure and Samworth Brothers Cornwall.

Councillor Matt Smith, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, City Centre Regeneration and Events, said: “Plymouth is a city with a proud military heritage, and Armed Forces Week provides a powerful opportunity for our communities to come together in recognition and celebration. These events not only deliver a fantastic programme of activity and entertainment but also offer a vital moment to show our support for the Armed Forces community and to thank them for their continued service.”

Plymouth Armed Forces Day took place on Saturday with a full day’s programme incorporating, displays, parades, demonstrations, and entertainment culminating in an evening concert.

Crowds explored military villages featuring hands-on activities, vehicles and equipment, including the Royal Marines Raiding Craft and Army weapons display and surveillance equipment. The Royal Navy showcased dynamic exhibits such as a battlefield ambulance and dive tank, while RAF recruitment teams and cadets engaged visitors with desk-top flight simulators and career insights.

John Gane, Site Managing Director at Babcock’s Devonport facility, said: “As long-standing supporters of Plymouth Armed Forces Day, we are proud to stand with our military colleagues and celebrate their significant role.

“This popular event continues to go from strength to strength, and the growing number of visitors attending each year highlights the importance of our Armed Forces who we rely on now, more than ever, to protect our nation.”

Emergency services, including the Fire Service, Police, RNLI, HM Coastguard and Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth, delivered interactive displays and practical demonstrations, offering visitors a valuable insight into their vital work.

The Veterans Village, supported by the Royal British Legion, featured more than 100 charities and organisations offering support and advice to serving personnel and veterans, and attracted a strong flow of visitors throughout the day. A range of local companies were also represented, providing recruitment information and career opportunities. For the car enthusiast there were plenty of vintage military vehicles to admire, plus a large display from the Murray Group.

Foster for Plymouth kept busy throughout the day, offering a range of free family fun activities while engaging with visitors and sharing information about fostering opportunities in Plymouth.

The stage and arena programme proved especially popular, featuring highlights such as the Parade of Standards led by the City of Plymouth Pipe Band, cadet parades, and performances from the Armed Forces Choir, Military Wives Choir, Rock Choir, alongside a dynamic REORG Ju Jitsu demonstration.

This year’s Future Fit Junior Field Gun Competition was its largest to date, with 26 schools providing 28 teams, requiring 39 runs altogether. A standout moment came as Widey Court Primary School, who put in two teams, won an array of trophies.

The celebrations concluded with an RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota flypast, followed by a free evening concert sponsored by C&G Catering, where crowds sang and danced to live performances.

Thank you to our Armed Forces Day sponsors and delivery partners including Babcock International Group, Royal British Legion, C&G Catering, Foster for Plymouth, South West Highways, Plymouth Citybus, and Ivor Dewdney.

For highlights and further information, visit plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk, and for other city events, visit visitplymouth.co.uk. To learn more about Babcock International, visit babcockinternational.com