Cleethorpes Armed Forces Day named national event

The three-day event starts on 27 June and attracts thousands of visitors to the Lincolnshire town

This year's Cleethorpes Armed Forces Day is to be the national event, the government has announced.

The three-day festival, which starts on 27 June, attracts thousands of people to the seaside resort.

Visitors can see parades, displays of military vehicles and a flypast featuring the Red Arrows RAF display team.

The national celebration was ended in 2023 but towns and cities across the UK have continued to run local events.

Defence Secretary John Healey said local councils could bid to host future national events.

"As our Second World War and National Service generation sadly fall in number, the need to reconnect Britain with serving personnel is more important than ever," he said.

"Armed Forces Day will therefore become bigger and bolder. This day will continue to be about gratitude but also about deepening people's knowledge of what the Armed Forces have to offer."

More than 180 events are taking place across the UK this year, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The MoD said in the future councils that are selected to host the national event would get £50,000 and the support of the military, who would supply personnel, equipment, vehicles and aircraft.

Last year's event attracted a record crowd, according to North East Lincolnshire Council

North East Lincolnshire Council leader Philip Jackson said he was "delighted and honoured" that Cleethorpes had been selected this year as the first new national event.

"This is testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved, led by our Armed Forces Major Events Team," he said.

"This weekend has become the highlight in our events calendar with record crowds last year.

"The main day on Saturday is one of celebration, thanks, and reflection as we honour those who have served our nation – past and present – whilst enjoying the parade and the fantastic air displays."

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