Cleethorpes Announced as the host of the National Armed Forces Day 2025 (27-29 June 2025)
In a welcome move, the Defence Secretary John Healey MP, has announced a return of the National Armed Forces Day event, with Cleethorpes (NE Lincolnshire) being the host for 2025. The town is no stranger to being the National Host, with the town welcoming thousands of visitors and military personnel in 2016. The North East Lincolnshire Armed Forces Weekend has remained popular since and spreads the celebrations ove a full weekend, welcoming support from all the armed forces, veterans, families and military charities.
R5 is delighted to continue to it’s support for the upcoming North East Lincolnshire Armed Forces Day 2025, an event now officially recognized as the national celebration. This prestigious designation underscores the significance of the community’s efforts to honor those who serve and have served in our armed forces.
The decision to elevate the event to a national level highlights the dedication, professionalism, and unity fostered within North East Lincolnshire, making it a fitting focal point for the entire country to celebrate our Armed Forces.
Commenting on the development, Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
“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. 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.
“In a new era of threat, building society’s understanding of what the Armed Forces do to deter that threat and keep us safe is vital. I am grateful to Cleethorpes, an area with proud links to our Armed Forces, and to North East Lincolnshire Council and Melanie Onn MP, for stepping up and providing a focal point to this year’s celebrations, delivering on our Government’s Plan for Change.”
Alex Baxter, Managing Director of the Armed Forces Major Events and Engagement Team (AFMET), expressed his pride in the event’s elevation:
“This is a huge recognition, yet again, of the way in which our Armed Forces Weekend is organised, managed, and has grown. The success of Armed Forces Day year after year is made possible here in North East Lincolnshire by the unwavering dedication, commitment, and professionalism of a small team of unpaid volunteers in the Armed Forces Major Events and Engagement Team.
Collaborating closely with industry sponsors and the local authority, our team engages in meticulous planning that spans an entire year. Throughout this process, they continue to support the armed forces community both within the borough and beyond.
“This initiative fosters unity within our community, bringing people together to recognise and honour the invaluable contributions made by our armed forces. An essential aspect of our work is also dedicated to supporting our veterans, ensuring their needs are addressed throughout the year. We eagerly anticipate delivering yet another outstanding national Armed Forces weekend.”
Since its inception in 2008, Armed Forces Day has become a cornerstone of the UK’s national calendar, serving as a meaningful way to thank British personnel who served in Afghanistan and other conflicts. The day marks the culmination of Armed Forces Week (w/c 23 June), which aims to raise awareness of the military’s vital role in keeping Britain safe and secure, both at home and abroad.
The activities are designed to educate the public about the diverse roles within the Armed Forces, showcase career opportunities, and celebrate the contributions of cadets, veterans, reservists, and service families.
R5 is proud to stand alongside North East Lincolnshire and the entire Armed Forces community in commemorating their service. We look forward to a memorable and impactful Armed Forces Day 2025, now recognized as a national event. The main national celebrations will take place on Saturday 28th June 2025.
