Armed Forces Day 2026 Timings Confirmed...

Crowds heading to Scarborough at the end of this month (June) can look forward to a full day of spectacular aerial displays, military performances and ceremonial moments as the Yorkshire coast hosts one of the region’s biggest Armed Forces celebrations.


The resort will host Armed Forces Day on Saturday, 27 June, which will see air displays alongside colourful parades, musical performances and family activities.


Thousands of people are expected to visit the North Yorkshire resort to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.


The annual event is once again being hosted by us as part of its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

This year’s Armed Forces Day will begin at 11am and run until 5pm, with flypasts, marching bands, cadet displays and a large veterans’ parade. 


Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “Scarborough Armed Forces Day is more than an event – it’s a show of unity, pride and community spirit. “The event is one of hundreds held across the country on this day to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community to selflessly and bravely serve our country, from the troops currently serving to service families, veterans and cadets. Together we thank and celebrate all who serve or have served.”


Those planning their visit can explore military air displays, which form an integral part of the day’s event. This year, there will be six displays including a high‑energy, high‑speed performance from the RAF Typhoon and a flypast from the RAF Chinook. The timings are as follows:


  • 11.30am: RAF Chinook will be doing a flypast to kick off Scarborough Armed Forces Day. The Chinook is one of the RAF’s most recognisable aircraft, capable of carrying up to 55 troops or heavy cargo loads.
  • 11.40am: RAF Tutor T Mark 1. This aircraft will take to the skies with a precision display.
  • 1.30pm: Hawker Fury. A descendant of the legendary Sea Fury brings a powerful mid‑afternoon display.
  • 2.30pm: Calidus AutoGyro. An agile gyroplane promises a fascinating display.
  • 3.30pm: RAF Supermarine Spitfire. One of Britain’s most iconic aircraft returns to Scarborough’s skies.
  • 4.05pm: RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4. The day’s headline display will be ready to captivate audiences with the raw power, speed and agility of the frontline fighter.


On the ground there will be traditional military marches, band displays, presentations and live music throughout the afternoon. Among those performing will be Scarborough Sea Cadets and veterans, standards and cadets’ parades led by the Queen’s Own Yeomanry and the Yorkshire Volunteers Band.


This year’s attractions also feature a Chelsea Pensioners display, marking their first appearance at Scarborough Armed Forces Day. North Yorkshire has more than 12,000 people who work for the Ministry of Defence and 3,000 children from service families in schools. Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire is one of the country’s largest military bases, and there are other barracks at Dishforth, Ripon and Topcliffe. The county is also home to Royal Air Force stations at Leeming, Fylingdales and Menwith Hill as well as the Harrogate-based Army Foundation College.

The county was one of the first places in the UK to have an Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring military personnel and veterans have access to services across the private and public sectors.


The council’s Armed Forces champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, said: “Armed Forces Day is always a highlight for Scarborough, and this year promises to be another memorable event. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together and show their appreciation for those who serve, from currently serving personnel to veterans, cadets and their families. We’re very proud to host such an important celebration on our coastline.”


Meanwhile, Army Cadets will be leading the flag-raising at Scarborough Town Hall on Monday, 22 June, which will mark the official opening of the event.


Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day will be sponsored by the Skipton Building Society for the second year running.


Programme


11am Welcome by the Scarborough Town Crier


11.30am RAF Chinook flypast


11.40am RAF Tutor T Mark 1 air display


11.55am to 12.30pm Formal opening


Scarborough Standards march into the Formal Area


Chairman of North Yorkshire Council, Councillor David Chance and Cdre Thomas Knowles Naval Regional Commander – Northern England and the Isle of Man will review the Standards


Scarborough Town Crier calls on all assembled to the opening of the event, the Yorkshire Volunteers Band marches into the Formal Area.


Formal opening and welcome by the Chairman of North Yorkshire Council


The Yorkshire Volunteers Band display


Presentation of awards by Cdre Thomas Knowles


Standards & The Yorkshire Volunteers Band marches off, and event officially starts


12:45pm The Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioners Pace Stick Team


1pm Royal Air Force Cadets display of banner drill


1.15pm Scarborough Sea Cadet continuity drill display team


1.30pm Hawker Fury – decedent of the famous Sea Fury – air display


2.30pm Calidus AutoGyro air display


3pm Scarborough Sea Cadet Band performance


3.30pm RAF Supermarine Spitfire Air Display


3.45pm East Riding Pipe Band performance


4.05pm RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 Air Display


4.20pm Standards, veterans & cadets parade steps off led by Queen’s Own Yeomanry and Yorkshire Volunteers Band


4.30pm Review of Parade at the formal area


Parade Marshal to invite Reviewing Officer; Cdre Thomas Knowles with VIPs to review the parade


Presentation of the Armed Forces Day Flag to Executive Officer Lie Bellens of Geel Sea Cadets, Belgium


Closing words by Cdre Thomas Knowles


Prayers and blessings by Reverend Sam Tredwell


4.45pm Closing Ceremony - Exhortation by Matthew O’Brien, Chairman of the RBL


Sunset ceremony including the Yorkshire Volunteers Band


Scarborough Sea Cadets lower the Armed Forces flag and present to Cdre Thomas Knowles


Yorkshire Volunteers Band perform and conclude with the National Anthem


Three cheers for HM Armed Forces led by Cdre Thomas Knowles


4.55pm Parade marches off


5pm Event finishes


Veteran focused highlights


  • Recognition and celebration: Veterans will be publicly acknowledged throughout the day, with speeches and tributes that highlight their service and sacrifice.
  • Veterans’ Village: A dedicated area where veterans can connect with support organisations, charities, and fellow service members.
  • Access to Support Services: Information and advice from military charities and organisations offering health, wellbeing, housing, and financial support.
  • Discount Opportunities: Veterans can register for the Defence Privilege Card, which offers access to online and high street discounts


Naval Warfare Returns to Peasholm Park – Armed Forces Day Special


Prepare for action as the legendary Naval Warfare show launches its summer season with a spectacular Armed Forces Day special at Peasholm Park!


On Saturday 27 June, the tranquil lake will transform into a dramatic battle zone as 20-foot replica warships recreate a thrilling sea battle, complete with explosions, smoke, and sound effects. This unique and much-loved Scarborough tradition is a must-see for visitors of all ages.


  • Time: 3:00pm
  • Location: Peasholm Park, North Bay, Scarborough


Join us for this unforgettable spectacle as part of Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day celebrations—a powerful tribute to naval history and the courage of those who serve.


North Yorkshire Council will be taking photos and film footage at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please speak to a member of the team.


Images and videos may be used by North Yorkshire council, our partners and our commercial services for press and printed information and digital channels.


Images and video will be stored for three years and may continue to be used by the council unless advised otherwise. If you do not wish for them to be used, you can contact North Yorkshire Council via their website.


Dogs on leads


Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome at Scarborough Armed Forces Day. We know they’re part of the family too!


Please ensure your dog is kept on a lead at all times and that you clean up after them to help keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.


Let’s make it a great day for all—two-legged and four-legged visitors alike!

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    Things To Do

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Scarborough has lots of them! World-class attractions like Sealife and Almpare waterpark, entertainment venues like the Stephen Joseph Theatre, The Spa and Scarborough Open Air Theatre and museums like The Rotunda. Enjoy a ride on the oldest funicular cliff railway in Britain, play on our sandy beaches, take a boat trip out to sea, enjoy the amusements, fish & chips and ice cream and explore the parks, gardens and stunning moors and coast.
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Scarborough hotels, Scarborough Guest Houses, Scarborough Self-Catering and more here in our Accommodation section.
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Scarborough has dozens of fantastic attractions. Step back in time at one of the most beautifully located castles in the country. Take a ride on the North Bay Railway with its historic Water Chute and new Sky Trail. Spend hours in the seafront Amusement Arcades, take in a world-famous act at the Open Air Theatre. Enjoy state of the art slides at Alpamare Waterpark. Go underwater at Scarborough Sealife. We really do have it all...
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Scarborough, possibly founded in 966 AD, is rich in history with its castle perched high above the North and South Bays, and a town which is proud to be Britain's first seaside resort! We're proud of our story which has lead to millions of people visiting every year...
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