what's on
Something for everyone
The whole family will have a great day out at Plymouth Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, on Saturday 25 June. Head to Plymouth Hoe for a day filled with excitement and fun, all for free.
Starting at 9.10am with an RAF and Allied Forces memorial service, Armed Forces Day will officially open at 10am and run until 10.30pm, with plenty of activities, displays, parades and live music to enjoy.
Support the Forces
There will be activities for all the family to enjoy and get involved in, from exploring military vehicles, weapons displays and equipment, to having a go on the Navy’s ‘Hang Tough’ activity, or climb on-board the Royal Marine’s open top JACKAL all-terrain vehicle or check out the Army’s Combat Support Boat and 50 tonne TEREX crane, or chat to the RAF recruitment team to learn more about the wide range of careers on offer, from Aircrew to Chef!
Members of the Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Coastguard Rescue Service and Dartmoor Search and Rescue will also be there on the day.
The Veterans Village will include a wide range of charities and organisations, each offering information, advice and support.
Arena Programme
You’ll find the main arena along the Hoe Promenade, with an exciting programme of awesome activities, bands and parades, including:
11am
The Parade of Standards will take place, which includes Veterans and Cadets marching across the Hoe Promenade led by the Tavistock Stannary Brass Band.
12.15pm to 12.35pm
The RMVCC Drums and Drill display
1.10pm to 1.30pm
Enjoy the City of Plymouth Pipe Band
1.35pm to 1.55pm
Watch the exciting demonstration by the Devonport Services RFC Rugby Team
2pm to 3.15pm
Falklands 40th Anniversary Freedom of the City parade, led by the HM Royal Marine Band Plymouth
3.15pm to 3.30pm
The HM Royal Marine Band Plymouth marching display
3.30pm to 4.05pm
Watch the thrilling match by Team Endeavours Punishers Wheelchair Rugby demonstration
4.10pm to 4.45pm
The award-winning Rock Choir, the largest community choir in the country
40th Anniversary of the Falklands War
Veterans of the Falklands War will be given the Freedom of the City of Plymouth. The honour will mark the 40th anniversary of the conflict and the contribution of the city's service personnel.
Plymouth will be marking this significant anniversary with a dedicated Veterans parade, led by the HM Royal Marine Band Plymouth, which will start at 2pm from the Royal Citadel, continue along Citadel Road, up Elliott Street and finishing on the Hoe promenade with a salute and speeches from Major General Thompson and Lord Mayor.
Veterans from the Falklands are invited to join this parade, please contact Chris Jones for more details, email: c.jones795@btinternet.com
More activities
On the main stage will be the Armed Forces Covenant at 10.45am, and don’t miss the brilliant Military Wives Choir, who will be giving a lively performance at 12.35pm to 1.05pm.
This year we have up to 20 schools taking part in the Junior Field Gun tournaments. This exhilarating competition will be taking place throughout the day, within their dedicated arena.
The Plymouth Music Education Hub will be providing a spectacular programme of live music by their talented young local musicians, who will be carrying out a variety of performances throughout the day on their dedicated stage.
Evening Concert, 5pm to 10.30pm
The entertainment continues into the evening, with a free live outdoor music concert on the main stage, sponsored by C&G Catering.
Dance the night away from 5pm with the Function Band of the Royal Marines Plymouth, Ocean City Sound Barbershop Chorus, Absolutely Elton – an outstanding tribute to Sir Elton John, local powerhouse duo Roulette. Headlining the show will be, From The Specials Neville Staple Band - The Original Rude Boy!
All of the above is subject to change, but was correct at the time of going online.
