Armed Forces Day 2018: events in London and around the UK

Britain remembers and honours the UK’s military community both past and present on Armed Forces Day, held every year on the final Saturday of June.

Events take place across the country to mark and celebrate the special day, which was launched in 2006 as Veterans’ Day, before being renamed three years later in order to include serving personnel.

This year the keynote National Event is being held in Llandudno, in North Wales, but there are a range of other celebrations planned nationwide.

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Here are some of the highlights of the 2018 Armed Forces Day:

National Event - Armed Forces Day in Llandundo

Llandudno Promenade, from 11am

Up to 250,000 people are expected to head to Llandudno, in Conwy, to take part in this year’s National Event. The programme of events includes fly-pasts by the RAF’s Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team, which features classic planes such as a Lancaster bomber, Spitfires and Hurricanes.

Manchester Armed Forces Day

St Peter’s Square, Manchester, from 10am

The Manchester Armed Forces Day offers fun activities for families ranging from military vehicle displays, and the opportunity to try on military kit and have a go at radio communications with the Military Veterans Museum UK, to a climbing wall and face painting. There are also a variety of food and drink stalls.

Edinburgh Armed Forces Day 2018

St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, from 11am

The Edinburgh Armed Forces Day event consists of a parade of serving personnel and veterans, who set off from Charlotte Square and make their way along George Street to St Andrew Square Gardens. Short speeches by the Lord Provost and representatives from the Armed Forces and veterans are followed by various forms of entertainment including military exhibitions and charity displays.

Green Jacket Army Veterans Armed Forces Day - Liverpool

Old Ropery, Liverpool, from 1pm

Festivities in Liverpool will be running day all afternoon and into the night, with food, live entertainment and a disco for the whole community.

Birmingham Armed Forces Day

Shenley Lane, Birmingham, from 12pm

In Birmingham, commemorations start with a parade at Weoley Castle Square, featuring representatives from veteran associations, serving personnel, cadets and the West Midland Fire Brigade band. Entertainment and activities include bouncy castles, face painting and displays of military memorabilia.

Armed Forces Day at the National Army Museum

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, from 10am

Join the National Army Museum to celebrate Armed Forces Day with tours and entertainment for all ages. All activities are free and there’s no need to book.

Royal Greenwich Get Together Festival

The Warren Royal Arsenal Riverside, Greenwich, from 12pm

The Royal Greenwich Get Together Festival and Armed Forces Day event promises to be a family-friendly celebration of culture, music, health and fitness, and the local community.