North West Armed Forces Day takes place in Southport over Saturday 28th June and Sunday 29th June 2025 with plenty for people of all ages to enjoy.
This growing annual event is an opportunity for the public to show their support for the men and women who comprise the Armed Forces community, including currently serving troops, service families, veterans, and cadets.
Southport Armed Forces Day has now grown and evolved into the North West Armed Forces Festival, aiming to be the largest locally organised celebration of the Armed Forces in the UK.
This two-day event will showcase the spirit of Southport and honour our military through three superb events. If you know any more please let us know and we’ll add!
1 – Frontline Sounds
Southport will shake with the sound of rock anthems and community spirit as Frontline Sounds lands at Adventure Coast Southport on Saturday 28th June 2025.
Part of the North West Armed Forces Festival, this new evening event brings together live music, seaside vibes, and a chance to support something truly local, the Royal British Legion Armed Forces Community Hub on Wesley Street.
Headlining the night is The Quo Experience, widely regarded as the UK’s number one Status Quo tribute act. They’ve been praised and endorsed by members of the Quo Family, and promise a full-throttle, feel-good performance that fans will love.
Supporting them is Incipio, a high-energy Southport-based trio with serious stage credentials. They’ve played everywhere from the Cavern Club to the O2 Academy, and with a proud Royal Navy veteran on drums, their set promises to strike a chord with the town’s strong Forces community.
But this event isn’t just for veterans, it’s for everyone. It’s for those who want to show off the town to their mates, enjoy a night out that doesn’t involve a long journey and be part of something that’s helping keep the lights on for a vital local resource.
Tickets are just £10 in advance
Bar available on the night
Doors open at 7pm
Adventure Coast Southport
Tickets: https://buytickets.at/royalbritishlegionsouthportarmedforcesfestival2025/1699925
2 – Drumhead Service
Drumhead Service (Christian worship service) on Sunday 29th June 2025. A short Drumhead service (Christian worship service) will be held in the Princess Diana Gardens at 10.30am. The Rt Revd Monsignor JS Alker MBE will conduct the service.
The service will consist of two hymns, a few prayers, a short address, and the National Anthem.
Following the conclusion of the service, participants will proceed immediately to participate in the parade.
3 – Military Parade
The Armed Forces Parade on Sunday 29th June 2025 will form up in Chapel Street at the junction with Tulketh Street.
It will be led by the Liverpool Scottish Pipes & Drums band.
The parade will step off and march along Chapel Street, turn left onto London Street, continue onto London Square, past the left side of the monument, and then straight over onto Nevill Street. For those who cannot march the full distance, the parade will temporarily halt before the memorial, where those less able can join the contingent.
The parade will march past the saluting dias on the right of Nevill Street adjacent to the Queen Victoria statue where the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside (representing His Majesty the King) will receive the salute.
The parade will continue across the Promenade onto the paved area by Silcock’s Funland and onto the end of Southport Pier where The Lord Lieutenant Mark Blundell, The High Sheriff of Merseyside Billy Hui BEM, the Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns, various military officers, and others will inspect those contingents involved in the parade before being dismissed by the Parade Marshall.
A rolling police roadblock will be in place whilst the parade is marching along London Street and Nevill Street.
4 – Static Military Displays and Activities
Following the Drumhead Service and parade on Sunday 29th June 2025, there will be several static displays and activities taking place throughout the day in King’s Gardens in Southport.
These include:
- Military recruiting displays and stands
- Cadet Force stands
- Musical entertainment on a stage, with seating available on the grassed in front of the stage area for the audience
- Military vehicle displays (heavier vehicles will be placed on the Promenade)
- Masonic recruiting stands
- Craft stalls
- Food vendors and bars
- Fairground rides
- Paintball range
- SSAFA gazebo
- RBL Gazebo
5 – The Atkinson celebrates VE Day
The Atkinson is celebrating VE Day on Sunday 29th June 2025 and also using this as an opportunity to tell the stories of some of the most incredible people who we do not want to be forgotten.
It includes:
Location: Outside The Atkinson.
10:30am – 10.45am: Drumhead Service – The day begins with the Drumhead multi-faith military church service. This poignant service will bring together people from all walks of life to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our service members.
10am – 4pm: The Military Vehicle Trust – Dedicated to ‘keeping our mechanical veterans alive’, the trust illustrates how historic vehicles have contributed to our military heritage.
10am – 4pm: Meet the Home Guard – Interactive stands will showcase different aspects of the Home Guard during 1943-44. Find out about recruitment, personal kit and weaponry, medical equipment and communication tools.
10am – 4pm: Spitfire Craft Activity – James Clare will show you how to make your own paper aeroplane to take away. Sponsored by RBL.
Location: Foyer. Ground Floor.
10am – 4pm: Armed Forces Charities – Displays from military charities and groups including Forces Employment, Veterans in Sefton, The Block, Bee Ethical and Ukraine United.
10am – 4pm: Fireplace Tribute – June The Florist will decorate the fireplace in tribute to our Armed Forces. Founded in 1925, the florist is one of Southport’s oldest family businesses.
10am – 4pm: A Great Little Place – The award-winning café will be serving up delicious fresh food and refreshments all day.
Location: Studio. First Floor.
10:15am: Performance – The Ukrainian United Choir.
11am: Talk – ‘My Accidental Life’ by Harry Kessler – The Incredible story of a Jewish Holocaust Survivor.
12pm: Talk – ‘Who Knew Halina?’ by Dagmara Wojciechowicz
1pm: Talk – ‘I shouldn’t be here’ by Kris Wojtek
2pm: Talk – ‘Yanks by the Seaside’ by Euan Withersby
3pm: WW2 Fashion Show – Angela Brown’s vintage clothing collection is modelled by cadets from 611 squadron
Location: Art Gallery. First Floor.
10am – 4pm: Mini displays telling incredible stories from World War II:
Dagmara Wojciechowicz shares her grandma’s story as a member of the Polish Resistance during WW2.
Andy Dziegiel’s father was part of Bomber Command, his aircraft was shot down and he became a prisoner of war.
Members of the Polish Community Blackpool/Fylde/Wyre share items that tell the story of the Polish contribution to WW2.
Pete Tipping & Euan Wethersby demonstrate the influence of the Americans in the UK during WW2.
Angela & Frank Brown share their extensive collection of WW2 militaria and fashion.
11am – 3pm: Family friendly craft workshop in the Art Box.
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