Back in June 2022, it was announced that Falmouth would take centre stage as Cornwall wins bid to host National Armed Forces Day.

The councillor leading the plans for Cornwall, Louis Gardner, a Royal Navy veteran himself said that National Armed Forces Day could be biggest event Falmouth has ever seen.

The day itself, centred this year in our very own Falmouth harbour, is a chance for the whole UK to show support for our Armed Forces community – from currently serving troops to service families, members of Reserve Forces, veterans, and cadets.

Falmouth will play proud host to a breathtaking series of events as part of celebrations for Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24 June – including a military parade, marching bands, military displays, live music, fly pasts, and fireworks.

Cornwall Council says: "It is expected to be among the most stirring and evocative programme of public shows ever staged in Cornwall - its backdrop is the world's third largest natural harbour, Henry Vlll's sea fort Pendennis Castle, and breathtaking hardware on display over Falmouth Bay, and in a spectacular military village."

Councillor Steve Eva, Mayor of Falmouth was also looking forward to the big day, he said: "Falmouth provides the perfect venue to host the Armed Forces Day National Event. Its deep natural harbour framed by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, spectacular coastline, and dramatic maritime heritage will serve as a stunning backdrop to our celebrations whilst our town, with its world-class facilities, restaurants, and attractions will offer a vibrant, and very warm welcome to visitors."

Armed Forces Day Red Arrows

Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for the Economy, Louis Gardner said this will be a Cornwall-wide celebration. "This is a great honour for the whole of Cornwall – it is yet another chance for us to occupy the national spotlight as with the G7. It will celebrate our close ties with the military, but it will also be a shop window for Cornwall to show its community spirit, creativity, and business acumen."

"I'd like to see every village and town, every shop and business, every individual and workplace, every school and college taking part and applauding our armed forces in the most imaginative and enthusiastic ways possible."

Plans are already underway for a Youth programme including opportunities for Cornwall's schools to compete in engineering challenges set by the three services, and for a conference that will bring together organisations that support the Services, exploring ways of working together to meet the needs of the armed forces community.

The call is also going out to businesses big and small to sponsor memorable elements of this unforgettable programme, and to associate their services and products with this one-off occasion.

All the opportunities are listed in the sponsorship brochure, which includes different levels of sponsorship packages: Read the brochure here

Louis Gardner added, "This is an event like no other in a place like no other. I am a former member of the armed forces, so I am beyond proud to see Cornwall selected as host in 2023. With three regular bases, numerous reserve forces, cadets, and supporting organisations, as well as a strong veteran community, Cornwall has enduring historic, current, and future links with our forces."

"There will be a huge amount of enthusiasm, respect, and cheering across Cornwall as we count down to the displays in Falmouth in June, and I am sure that between us the military and Cornwall will put on an astonishing show."

You can find out more here: Armed Forces Day website