Thousands flock to Southport to enjoy Armed Forces Day

Thousands of people enjoyed the Southport Armed Forces Day celebrations on Sunday (30th June 2024).

The biggest Armed Forces Day event in the North West saw a day packed with things going on for people to enjoy.

It began with a service with prayers and hymns.

A parade then made its way from Chapel Street, through London Street and along Lord Street before marchers took the salute from VIPs on the Southport Town Hall steps.

Among those taking part will be The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums; The Band of the 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment; Merseyside Army Cadet Force; 281 Southport Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets; and Southport Sea Cadets.

This year’s Southport Armed Forces Day takes place just a few weeks after the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War Two.

Dignitaries included Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Mark Blundell and the Mayor of Sefon Cllr June Burns.

The popular, free event continues to grow in size each year as it welcomes people of all ages.

The Atkinson on Lord Street was open all day, with a series of talks, exhibitions and stands in the foyer.

Southport Armed Forces Day. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport

A group of Ukrainian ladies who had fled the war in Ukraine had created a Ukraine map from yellow and blue flowers as they weaved a camouflage net and chatted with visitors.

Lord Street was closed to traffic all day as it was filled with dozens of military vehicles and enthusiasts wearing old military uniforms.

Children could enjoy a series of fairground rides, an observation wheel, a paintball shooting range, live music, food and drink and more.

The Royal British Legion Southport and SSAFA Merseyside partnered to bring everyone this brilliant day out.

Don’t miss the Southport Armed Forces Day parade, which will start at 10.30am.

Southport Royal British Legion Chair Major Nick McEntee attended Southport Armed Forces Day on his very last day in the British Army, having served his country all around the world for 43 years and 9 months.

He is keen to make Southport Armed Forces Day even bigger and better and would like to hear from local businesses keen to support the event.

He said:

“Southport Armed Forces Day is the biggest in the North West.

“It is a real celebration of Britain’s Armed Forces, both past and present.

“Our ambition is to make Southport the best independent Armed Forces Day celebration in the UK.

“If any local businesses or residents would like to make any donations or sponsor any elements of our event, then we’d love to hear from you!”

“As we celebrate Armed Forces Day, we honour the courage and dedication of our military personnel who safeguard our nation with unwavering commitment and bravery. It is also a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by Armed Forces families, our veterans and the fallen.”