Tens of thousands of people gathered across the UK on Saturday to mark Armed Forces Day, with the nation's flagship celebrations in Aldershot culminating in the announcement that
Southport will host the prestigious national event in 2027.
More than 230 events took place nationwide as communities paid tribute to serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families. Aldershot, widely regarded as the historic home of the British Army, hosted the main celebrations, attracting large crowds for a day of military displays, ceremonial parades and aerial performances.
The event featured personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force, alongside military bands and a dramatic flypast that included an RAF A400M Atlas transport aircraft and a Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Three elite parachute display teams—the British Army Red Devils, RAF Falcons and Royal Navy Raiders—also thrilled spectators with precision jumps into the main arena.
During the celebrations, Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis announced that Southport, Merseyside, had been selected to stage the national Armed Forces Day event in 2027, describing the town as a community defined by resilience and strong support for the military.
"Armed Forces Day is an extraordinary opportunity for our nation to come together to thank the people who keep this country safe," Jarvis said. "Southport already hosts the largest Armed Forces event in the region, and it is fitting that it will welcome the nation in 2027."
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said the annual celebration represented more than military spectacle.
"Armed Forces Day is about the bond between those who serve and the society they protect," he said. "Maintaining that connection is essential to our strength as a force, and Southport has a proud tradition of supporting the Armed Forces community."
Local leaders welcomed the announcement, saying the event would bring national attention to the seaside town while recognising the contribution of service personnel and veterans.
Mayor of Sefton Jennifer Corcoran described the selection as "a tremendous honour," while Sefton Council leader Marion Atkinson said hosting the event would provide an opportunity to showcase the borough while paying tribute to the Armed Forces community.
Southport's successful bid highlighted its ambition to deliver "a national statement of service, resilience, unity and renewal." The town already stages one of the UK's largest regional Armed Forces Day celebrations and has extensive experience hosting major public events, including the Southport Airshow and the British Musical Fireworks Championship.
The national Armed Forces Day event receives £50,000 in Ministry of Defence funding, along with military support including flypasts, bands, equipment displays and planning assistance.
Major Nick McEntee, Director of the Southport Armed Forces Community Hub, said the town was ready to begin preparations.
"This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the partnership between Southport's Armed Forces Community Hub, Sefton Council and the wider Armed Forces community," he said. "The hard work starts now, but we look forward to delivering an unforgettable national celebration."
Armed Forces Day marks the culmination of Armed Forces Week, an annual campaign recognising the service and sacrifice of the UK's military community. The Ministry of Defence says the event also plays a key role in strengthening the relationship between the Armed Forces and the public as part of a broader national approach to defence. Photo by Small-town hero, Wikimedia commons.
