Cornwall has been successful in its bid to host National Armed Forces Day 2023 with Falmouth as a host town.

Cornwall's ambition is to make the National Armed Forces Day event a unique celebration of our armed forces past, present and future - with a programme which both celebrates and builds public support for our armed forces and provides a lasting legacy for the future.

Cornwall continues to be a stronghold for the military and is vitally important to the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The Port of Falmouth is the third deepest natural port in the world and the Navy plays a huge part in the day-to-day life in Falmouth, particularly contributing to its strong military history.

While the event will be celebrated across the county, the themes of the bid focus on:

• Youth engagement – The ability to inspire our younger generation to a future career in the armed forces or an associated defence industry.
• Veteran re-engagement – Many veterans in Cornwall can feel disengaged and isolated from their former careers and comrades, it is hoped to bring these veterans back into the community and offer support and employment opportunities
• Commercial showcasing – Cornwall is an extremely attractive proposal to many companies who traditionally operate in the defence space, and this event will showcase everything that we have to offer.

Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: "It is absolutely fantastic news to see Cornwall, and Falmouth in particular's successful bid to host the UK Armed Forces Day in 2023.

"I have worked closely with Cornwall Council as they have planned their bid, and congratulate Cllr Louis Gardner and his team for putting together an excellent submission.

"I have also made the case direct to Ministerial colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace MP, who I welcomed to Falmouth, so he could see first-hand exactly what we have to offer.

"Cornwall has a proud military tradition, with strong and enduring links to our armed forces. I look forward to working with all concerned to make UK Armed Forces Day 2023 a memorable occasion, and that Falmouth shines as the host of a major event for our country."

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council's Armed Forces Member Champion and the Project Lead for the event, added:

"It is a great privilege for Cornwall to be named as the host of the National Armed Forces Day in 2023. As a veteran myself, this is the culmination of a long held ambition to bring this event to Cornwall and I thank councillors for their support and the officers of Cornwall Council for their hard work and dedication."