An acclaimed military band playing bagpipes and drums while spinning round on the historic Silcock’s Carousel was one of the highlights of the 2026 Southport Armed Forces Day.
The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Pipes and Drums, wearing with their famous kilts, sporrans, caps and medals, were hugely popular with a large crowd which quickly formed to watch them perform.
The band had led the way in the Southport Armed Forces Day Parade, as marchers headed past cheering crowds along Chapel Street, London Street and Nevill Street before forming up for an inspection on Southport Pier.
The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Pipes and Drums then decided on an impromptu live performance on the Carousel, also known as Herbert Silcock’s Golden Gallopers, which was constructed in 1901.
The 125-year-old Silcock’s Carousel was recognised as the fourth best seaside attraction in Britain in the 2023 Bucket and Spade List, organised by The Seaside Heritage Network, and has entertained millions of families over the decades – but never a regimental military band.
It provided an unforgettable moment on a day when organisers were also celebrating the news that Southport has just been announced as the venue which will host the prestigious National Armed Forces Day event on 26th and 27th June 2027.
Silcock Leisure Group Head of Operations and Southport Royal British Legion President Serena Silcock-Prince said:
“It was wonderful to see! It was a lovely surprise for everyone watching.
“After the Armed Forces Day Parade had made its way up Nevill Street and people taking part forming up along Southport Pier, I was walking up along with the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Jen Corcoran, and High Sheriff of Merseyside, Hazell Snell, when he heard the sound of bagpipes playing and saw the crowd forming around the Carousel.
“It was just the most amazing sight to see The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Pipes and Drums playing as they sat on the Carousel as it was spinning around!
“The Carousel was built in 1901 and has welcomed millions of visitors over the years, but I think this must be the first time it’s seen a military band performing on it.
“It’s something I have never seen before! It was a very special moment.
“I have enjoyed seeing all the videos of their ride on the Carousel, it’s really gone viral on social media! It’s lovely seeing everyone’s posts.
“It brought a real sense of excitement to all the families who had been watching the Armed Forces Day service and the parade, and were walking up to enjoy all the many attractions taking place along the Promenade and throughout Kings Gardens.
“It was incredible to see. We’d like to say a huge thank you to The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Pipes and Drums for bringing smiles to so many people’s faces and creating such a fantastic atmosphere at Southport Armed Forces Day!”
Families gathered in force to celebrate Southport Armed Forces Day on Sunday (28th June 2026).
This biggest Armed Forces Day event in the North West saw people enjoy a variety of activities and events throughout the town centre.
Armed Forces Day began with a Drumhead Service outside The Atkinson on Lord Street, led by Reverend Ben Dyer, the Vicar at Christ Church.
Following the service there was an Armed Forces Day Parade which saw veterans and cadets marching along Chapel Street, London Street and Nevill Street, forming up for an inspection at Southport Pier.
There they were met by dignitaries including Merseyside Lord Lieutenant Peter Oliver OBE, High Sheriff of Merseyside Hazell Snell, Sefton Mayor Cllr Jen Corcoran, Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Southport Town Crier Kev Ruane MBE, eight-year-old Soldier Frank, and more.
King’s Gardens and the Promenade were packed with a day of live music and entertainment, giant inflatables and attractions, military vehicles, military displays, food stalls, an expansive artisan village, and crafts, and more.
The Atkinson on Lord Street opened specially for Southport Armed Forces Day.
This year, the focus turned to the First World War with a special tribute to the story of The Angels of Mons, bringing a distinct 1914 atmosphere.
Herbert Silcock’s Golden Gallopers, on Southport Pier Forecourt, weighs 18 tons, is 42 ft in diameter and 18 ft tall.
The Gallopers ride features a variety of horses, each named after members of the Silcock family or family friends, and one dedicated to Princess Anne after her visit to the resort in 2023.
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