Blackpool Armed Forces Week is a fantastic celebration when the general public comes together with serving officers, veterans and cadets, all in a show of support for military personnel who have served their country in the past, present or future.



Since the first event took place in 2006, Armed Forces Week has grown admirably. It’s now a firm fixture in the resort’s calendar and a time of year that thousands of families across the country look forward to.

This year the festivities start on Monday 20th June and run right through to Sunday 26th.

It doesn’t matter if you visit for the day or stay for the entire week, you’ll be in for a treat. Even if you just want to soak up the atmosphere by the seafront, if you time it right, you might experience an RAF Spitfire fly past!

What’s happening?

Each year, more attractions across the resort get involved, meaning there are more activities to choose from than ever before. For 2016, everything starts with the flag-raising ceremony at Blackpool Town Hall at 10am on the Monday morning. The celebrations run right through to Sunday afternoon’s barbeque at Blackpool & Fylde Submariners Association.

Here are some of our highlights:

Music For Heroes, 20th June

On Monday 20th June the resort thanks military personnel with a musical extravaganza.

The show starts at 7.30pm at the Opera House. Tickets are only ÂŁ1 and are available from Blackpool Winter Gardens or VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre.

National Armed Forces Day: RAF Spitfire flypast, 25th June

On Saturday 25th June, those who gather on the Tower Festival Headland on Blackpool Promenade will be treated to a vehicle display. But it’s not just any vehicle display: lots of vintage and modern army vehicles will drive past.

And to top everything off, the famous RAF Spitfire will fly past overhead. It’s something you won’t want to miss!

The display starts at 10.30am and lasts until 5.30pm. Entry is free – just get comfortable and enjoy!

The Submariners Sizzling BBQ, 26th June

The final afternoon of the week sees the Blackpool & Fylde Submariners Association host a special barbecue for serving personnel and veterans. It’s a poignant occasion where branch members share their firsthand wartime experiences and memories over a spot of lunch – made even better if the sun is shining!

It’s FREE entry and all you have to pay is £2 per plate.

Can’t make it during Armed Forces Week?

If you can’t make it to Blackpool for Armed Forces Week, take a look at the other exciting summer events happening in our events calendar. See you soon!