On Armed Forces Day, special events are hosted in local parks, town squares, community halls, high streets and back gardens across the country.
Behind each event is a mover and a shaker who pulls out all the stops to ensure British service personnel and their families feel supported and appreciated by their local community.
You may work with a local authority, charity or business that is considering hosting an Armed Forces Day event, or be an individual interested in running a smaller-scale event for your street or circle of friends.
Here are some tips for first timers and old hands.
Organising your event
Format: Consider the format and focus of your event. AFD organisers hold everything from picnics and street parties, to fetes, themed barbecues and workplace talks.
Funding: Applications for event funding and registration in 2024 open on 1 March and close on 1 April. Grants of up to £10,000 are available. For details on how to apply, first register your event with us.
Timing: Try to hold your event on, or in the weeks around, the last week of June.
Location: Ensure your venue is large enough for the number of people you expect to attend. Smaller events could take place in town halls, public buildings, schools, churches and community centres. If you’re planning a street party, visit the Street Party website for practical tips and inspiration.
Decorations: Decorate your events with flags and bunting. Armed Forces Day does not create official merchandise, but many companies sell flags, t-shirts and other Armed Forces Day themed decorations. These are widely available online.
Special guests: If you’d like to invite local military to your event visit the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force websites for details on the location of units and bases.
Publicising your event
Events in city centres attract people who are there anyway, whereas less central events may require more advertising and marketing. Here are some handy tips:
- Register your event on the Armed Forces Day website for it to be displayed on the AFD map
- Create on-brand marketing materials, posters and social media content using the AFD Design and Digital
- Spread the word through a variety of communications channels:
- Post details on your social media and create a Facebook event
- Create a public event on Eventbrite
- Share details with your local press – you can include official AFD imagery
- Publish an article on your company intranet
- Include an item in your company’s newsletter
- Share posters on Whatsapp and in local community groups; pin hard copies to notice boards
- During and after your event, share your photos with us on Facebook and Twitter by tagging @ArmedForcesDay, or emailing ArmedForcesDayUK@gmail.com.