Rushmoor Borough Council has welcomed the government’s announcement that Aldershot and Farnborough have been chosen to host the National Armed Forces Day next summer.
The decision follows a bid by the council and Aldershot MP, Alex Baker, to host the prestigious national event over the weekend of 27 and 28 June.
To celebrate the borough’s success, children from Talavera Junior School in Aldershot were treated to special visit from the British Armed Forces this morning, when a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter landed in their school field.
The children were invited to listen to songs performed by the British Army Engagement Ensemble band from Sandhurst Military Academy, before going outside to chat to members of the helicopter crew, look around the Wildcat helicopter and watch Rushmoor Borough Council Deputy Leader Councillor Sophie Porter and The Mayor of Rushmoor, Councillor Calum Stewart, receive the Armed Forces Day flag on behalf of the community.
The Armed Forces Day flag was also raised at the council offices in Farnborough and at Princes Hall in Aldershot to mark the announcement.
The Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Councillor Gareth Williams, said:
“This prestigious, large-scale event presents an opportunity for Aldershot and Farnborough to celebrate their military heritage and their continuing role in the nation’s defence.
“Our bid emphasised Aldershot’s historic role as the ‘Home of the British Army’, Farnborough’s position as the birthplace of British military aviation, and the borough’s strong and diverse Armed Forces community — including significant Gurkha and Fijian populations.
“In addition to our military heritage, we are also proud to have world-leading aerospace, research and technology organisations within our defence business community in Rushmoor.
“We are delighted that our bid to host this special event has been chosen, and we are hugely looking forward to celebrating the vital role of our Armed Forces within our community in June next year.”
The bid was developed with input from councillors and officers, alongside Alex Baker MP, and outlined the vision for a dynamic and inclusive celebration of our Armed Forces. The bidding process required applicants to set out how their proposals would provide opportunities for serving personnel to engage with the public, demonstrate local pride in the Armed Forces and their contribution to the nation, and offer meaningful opportunities to say “thank you” to the military community.
The Mayor of Rushmoor, Councillor Calum Stewart, said:
“We are truly honoured that Aldershot has been chosen to host the 2026 Armed Forces Day national event. This is a moment of great pride for our town and for the whole of Rushmoor. Aldershot’s connection with the Armed Forces runs deep — not just through our long history, but through the service personnel, veterans, cadets and families who are part of our community every day.
“Hosting this national celebration gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to the professionalism, courage and sacrifice of all who serve, and to recognise the strength and resilience of those who support them. In 2026, we will welcome the nation to the ‘Home of the British Army’ with warmth, respect and heartfelt gratitude.
“We look forward to working with the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces community and our residents to ensure that this event is fitting for the people it honours — and a celebration that Aldershot, Rushmoor and the country will remember with pride.”
Local MP Alex Baker said:
“I’m proud that, working alongside Rushmoor Borough Council, we’ve brought Armed Forces Day home. As the Home of the British Army and the birthplace of British aviation, nowhere is more fitting than Aldershot and Farnborough to lead the nation in renewing our bond with the men and women who serve, and with the cadets and veterans who are part of our story.
“This is our chance to honour the generations who have served, celebrate those who protect our country today, and inspire the young people who will follow in their footsteps. A spectacular weekend of free events, displays, and family activities that will draw our whole community together to leave a legacy of pride and renewal.
“Aldershot and Farnborough will show the nation what makes our towns so special, places where service is woven into everyday life, and where the country’s thanks will be expressed here, at home."
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
“Rushmoor will host an exceptional national Armed Forces Day in 2026, and I congratulate the council and local MP Alex Baker for such an impressive plan. This community has shaped, supported and honoured our Armed Forces for generations.
“While towns and cities across Britain will also celebrate Armed Forces Day, this national event will mark the deep bond between the Armed Forces and the communities they live and work in, and it will showcase the best our Armed Forces have to offer.
“This Armed Forces Day is part of our government’s drive to deepen public knowledge of our Forces and to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.”
Commander British Army Headquarters South East, Colonel David Kenny said:
“Aldershot is the home of the British Army, as well as thousands of soldiers and their families. Our children go to the local schools, our families work locally, and we are proud members of this very supportive community.
“It’s easy to forget that behind our uniforms we are also parents, partners, and neighbours. Bringing the Armed Forces Day celebrations to our doorstep is a huge morale boost for the people of Rushmoor and the garrison, and it celebrates the close relationship between the military and our community.”
A full programme of events will be organised for the celebrations on the 27 and 28 June, which could include a parade, civic reception, flypasts, military displays and a remembrance service as well as music and community sports events. In the lead-up to the weekend, there will also be events and activities, including school and youth engagement programmes, local arts projects, and events involving town centre businesses.
Successful host authorities receive a £50,000 Ministry of Defence grant and access to a range of military assets at no cost — including flypasts, air displays, military parades with bands, VIP attendance, and interactive engagement zones.
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