A spectacular series of flypasts, parachute displays and military parades will bring the pride and pageantry of the annual Armed Forces Day national event to Aldershot and Farnborough on 27 June 2026.
The celebrations will include a parade featuring military bands from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force, leading marching detachments of up to 500 military personnel, together with cadets and veterans.
Residents are invited to request up to five free adult tickets and four free children’s tickets for the event which will celebrate over 170 years of military heritage in the local community.
Free tickets to the Armed Forces Day national event are now available on the Armed Forces Day pages on this website.
Defence Minister Lord Coaker said: “We brought back the Armed Forces Day national event last year to celebrate the strong connection between the Armed Forces and the communities they serve. We can’t wait to see Aldershot – the home of the British Army – host a spectacular celebration in June.
“Hundreds of Armed Forces Day events are taking place across the country. I know people right across the United Kingdom will turn out to show their support on 27 June.”
Rushmoor Borough Council Deputy Leader Councillor Sophie Porter, said: “We were extremely proud and honoured when Aldershot and Farnborough were chosen to host the Armed Forces Day National Event, and we are excited to let everyone know the amazing attractions that will be part of this special and memorable weekend.
“We hope that as many people as possible will join us to for this unique event to celebrate our armed forces and to thank them for the vital role they play in protecting our nation.”
In the skies above Aldershot and Farnborough, military aircraft including a Royal Air Force A400M Atlas and a British Army Apache helicopter will soar over the crowds.
Aircraft from the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also conduct a flypast to help celebrate Farnborough’s role as the birthplace of British military aviation.
Two military parachute display teams – the British Army Red Devils and the Royal Air Force Falcons – will fill the skies with colourful canopies as they wow crowds with a gravity-defying demonstration of skill and courage.
Rushmoor Borough Council will unite military personnel, veterans, cadets and Armed Forces families with residents and supporters to celebrate the contribution of the Armed Forces community to our security and way of life.
This will include a special programme for schools on Friday 26 June, the Armed Forces Day national event on Saturday 27 June, and a community day on the Sunday on the Queens Parade, Aldershot.
The Band of the Household Cavalry and The Band of the Irish Guards, two British Army bands admired around the world for their stirring performances at state occasions such as royal weddings and jubilees, will be among those providing music for the military parade.
Residents and visitors to Aldershot and Farnborough will be able to meet serving Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force personnel and hear from veterans, cadets and military families.
An arena with displays and a military village with 32 stands will give residents the chance to get up close and personal with military equipment including a Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft, a Chinook helicopter and the British Army’s Challenger II tank and Boxer armoured vehicle.
Supporters of the Royal Navy will be able to take a tour of one of their offshore raiding craft and see the Royal Navy divers in action in a special tank.
Armed Forces Day provides a national opportunity to show support and gratitude to the Armed Forces community – serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, and their families, and highlights the military’s contribution to national security, the economy and the British way of life.
Rushmoor Borough Council is proud to work with their sponsors, including QinetiQ, BAE Systems, Aspire Defence Services Limited, Farnborough Airport and other partners and supporters.
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