On Saturday June 26 Cardiff will play host to the UK Armed Forces Day national event. The event is only the second of its kind to be held in the UK and will be the first time Wales has played host.
The day is an annual opportunity for the nation to show their support of the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, and from veterans to cadets.
A full programme of events is planned for the day, including a parade through the city, and in Cardiff Bay a Drumhead Service, fly past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Red Arrows, military displays, a dynamic air display and an evening concert featuring The Soldiers and Only Men Aloud. HMS Kent will also be open to visitors.
TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will lead the parade from Cardiff Castle to the bay. We are encouraging members of the public to ‘Show Support’ for the Armed Forces by lining the parade route. The parade will step off from Cardiff Castle at 1055am and will proceed along High Street, St Mary Street and along Lloyd George Avenue to the final destination of Roald Dahl Plass.
Lord of Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Keith Hyde, said: “It’s a great honour that Cardiff will host the UK Armed Forces Day national event this year. We have planned an event that Cardiff and the whole of Wales will be proud of.
“I am looking forward to welcoming the brave men and women who make up the Armed Forces to the city and I am sure a warm Welsh welcome will be in store for them.”
Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Rodney Berman, said: “Being the host for the UK national event is a great honour. We want to expand on the success of last year’s Armed Forces Day held in Chatham and really make Armed Forces Day a day that the whole nation gets behind.
“A lot of planning and work has gone into creating a fantastic occasion for everyone to enjoy, whether they have a military connection or not.
“I am also delighted that Their Royal Highnesses’ The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will attend the event in Cardiff.”
Pam Healy, Armed Forces Day project director said “The 26 June is a fantastic opportunity for people right across the country to show their support for the men and women of our Armed Forces. The national event in Cardiff promises to be an action packed day out.”
