Everything you need to know about St Helens Borough Council's Armed Forces Day event this Saturday

Article date: 16 June 2026

Taking place from 11:00am to 4:00pm, the free event is open to all and will feature a full programme of activities honouring the borough's Armed Forces community - including serving personnel, veterans, cadets and their families.

What is Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day provides an opportunity for communities across the country to show their support for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in the Armed Forces.

In St Helens, the annual event is held a week before the national Armed Forces Day and has become a much-loved fixture in the council's events calendar, attracting families, veterans and visitors from across the borough each year.

What's happening on the day

The event will begin with a parade featuring veterans, serving Armed Forces personnel and cadets, accompanied by marching music from Valley Brass Band.

Following the parade, a packed programme of entertainment will take place throughout the afternoon, including a 69 Field Gun Second World War artillery display, where blank rounds will be fired in a powerful and memorable demonstration.

Attractions and entertainment

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions throughout the day, including:

• Displays of classic cars and military vehicles
• Military and Armed Forces stands and exhibitions
• Children's funfair
• WWII-themed and heritage displays

Live music from the bandstand will feature:

• The local award-winning Valley Brass Band
• Anna the Golden Age Songbird, performing a selection of well-known wartime hits

Food, drink and facilities

There will be a variety of food and drink options available, including:

• Light refreshments provided by the Friends of Victoria Park
• Food vendors, including JJ's Ices
• Plenty of space for visitors to bring a picnic and relax

Visitors are encouraged to make the most of the surroundings in Victoria Park - a 14-hectare green space that has proudly achieved Green Flag status for ten consecutive years.

Event timings

• 11:00am - Event opens
• 12:00pm - Armed Forces Parade
• 12.30pm - Valley Brass Band at the bandstand
• 2:00pm - 69 Field Gun Second World War artillery display
• 2:15pm - Anna the Golden Age Songbird 
• 4:00pm - Event finishes

St Helens Armed Forces Day will take place in Victoria Park on Saturday 20 June, from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

To find out more about the support available to members of the Armed Forces community in St Helens Borough, visit: https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/armedforces