All are welcome at the annual Armed Forces Day celebration in Southport this Sunday (28th June 2026).
This biggest Armed Forces Day event in the North West will take place at various locations in Southport town centre, between 10.30am and 5pm.
Armed Forces Day begins with a service outside The Atkinson on Lord Street from 10.30am.
There will then be a parade featuring veterans and cadets up to Southport Pier.
King’s Gardens will be packed with live entertainment, food, music, military displays, food stalls, artisan village and crafts, and more.
An Armed Forces Day spokesperson said: “It’s back! And bigger. The North West’s biggest and BEST Armed Forces Day has come around again.
“It takes place this Sunday at locations including the King’s Gardens, The Promenade and The Atkinson in Southport.
“We’ll start with a service outside The Atkinson at 10.30am, with all welcome to join us, followed by a parade.
“Then we take over the town until 5pm! You can look forward to military displays, fantastic food stands, craft stalls, family fun rides, arena display, local music talent on stage.
“This is the best free day out and an opportunity to say thank you to all those who serve or have served.”
The Atkinson on Lord Street is proud to join the celebrations of Armed Forces Day and will be partially open this Sunday for a day of remembrance and discovery.
This year, the focus turns to the First World War with a special tribute to the story of The Angels of Mons, bringing a distinct 1914 atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy a rich mix of experiences, including The Angels of Mons exhibition, which opens this Saturday (27 June 2026).
World War I re-enactors will be bringing history to life, with displays from the Military Vehicle Trust and a fascinating talk detailing the family history of John Westhead.
There will also be free drop-in craft activities for families and charity stalls to explore.
Plus, the A Great Little Place café will be open for refreshments.
Please note the Library, Box Office and Shop will be closed.
In Southport, we are lucky that there are so many activities and opportunities to show our appreciation for the dedication and service of the Armed Forces community, and to learn more about life in the military.
Between 1pm and 2pm this Sunday, as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations, Martin Jones will be presenting his talk ‘The Man Who Shod War Horses’ at the Atkinson.
This is a talk detailing the family history of John Westhead who was killed in France in World War I.
Martin was the local village blacksmith at Newburgh in West Lancashire. In 1914 he joined the Army Remount Depot, which had been opened in the next village, as a civilian Smith / Farrier. In 1915 all fit men were forced to sign up for war duties . He signed up at the age of 42. and was 44 when he was killed.
During the war over 300,000 horses and mules were trained for war activities at the Depot.
In 2004 documents were found relating to his wartime experience.
The story is based around these documents and personal letters.
Part 1 tells how and where the documents were found.
Part 2 – family history from 1851.
Part 3 – His wartime experience
Part4 – how his family coped with the loss of a husband and father.
An Antique Road Show expert has described the story as ‘Like Gold Dust’. He said very seldom do you see such a comprehensive World War I story which includes the medals awarded.
All proceeds from the talk are donated to the annual British Legion Poppy Appeal.
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