Exciting plans for Plymouth Armed Forces Day 2024 are revealed

21st March 2024

Plymouth’s spectacular Armed Forces Day, in association with international defence company Babcock, which owns and operates the dockyard at Devonport, returns to Plymouth Hoe this summer with an epic programme of displays, demonstrations and entertainment.

The exciting line-up for Plymouth Armed Forces Day was revealed at the launch today (21 March), marking 100 days until Armed Forces Day 2024 which will be celebrated on Saturday 29 June. 

The launch was hosted at HMS Drake. Captain David Preece Royal Navy, Deputy Naval Base Commander, Captain of the Base, presented the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Mark Shayer, with the Armed Forces flag. Representatives from Babcock, Plymouth City Council and each Military Service, including, Veterans, Cadets and Military Kids Club Heroes also attended. 

The launch event saw the firing of a gun round to mark the 100 day countdown to Armed Forces Day at HMS Drake. Additional photos were taken by the waterside alongside HMS Albion. 

Plymouth Armed Forces Day is a celebration and provides an excellent opportunity to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. It is expected that over 45,000 people will flock to Plymouth Hoe, to enjoy the family-fun event.

This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, interactive displays and challenges, military vehicles and equipment, thrilling demonstrations and entertainment.  

Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Mark Shayer, said: “Plymouth’s Armed Forces Day is one of the biggest in the country and continues to grow!

"As a Veteran I’m extremely proud that the City has this opportunity to show our support to the Military, Serving and Reservists, Veterans, Cadets and their families. It’s a day to thank them for the great work they do and the sacrifice they make. Thank you also to Babcock and all the other sponsors of this great event. Let’s do them proud!

“Following today’s launch event, I am really looking forward to this year’s Armed Forces Day along with all my family, it’s looking to be a brilliant day with lots of activities to watch and take part in.”

Dave Tytherleigh from Babcock’s Leadership Team at Devonport, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the event again this year. Our Armed Forces play a critical role in keeping our country safe and we are proud to work alongside them.”

Captain David Preece Royal Navy, Deputy Naval Base Commander and Captain of the Base, said: “I’m delighted that we can launch this year’s Plymouth Armed Forces Day here at HMS Drake in HM Naval Base Devonport. It is an important date in our calendar which allows people, communities and organisations across the City to show their support for the many Service people who live and work in Plymouth.”

Plymouth Armed Forces Day will open at 10am, with the Parade of Standards at 11am - open to all veterans - which will see Veterans and Cadets parade across the Hoe Promenade.

There is plenty of activities and displays to experience throughout the day. Visitors can chat to service personnel, with representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and British Army in attendance. They will host activities, displays and military vehicles in their own specific ‘villages’. Members of the Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Coastguard Rescue Service, RNLI and Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth will also be there on the day.  

The Veteran’s Village, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, will be full of charities and organisations that offer support and advice including change of career opportunities. Foster for Plymouth will be providing lots of fun activities suitable for young children too.  

The event programme offers lots of entertainment and thrills, with the HM Naval Base Devonport Field Gun demonstration, Junior Field Gun tournaments and the Royal Marines Unarmed Combat Display Team. Plus live music, including the jive jump band Company B, who will be bringing the sights and sounds of the 1940s with an energetic show full of swing and swagger!  

The entertainment continues into the evening with a free outdoor music concert, sponsored by C & G Catering, from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, featuring local bands, including: Feel Good Factory, Jessica and the Rabbits, Rockafella and The Big Strut. The performances will include plenty of well-known hits for everyone to dance and sing along to.

For all the latest information about Plymouth Armed Forces Day, visit: plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk. For further information about Babcock International, visit: babcockinternational.com