Serving military personnel, veterans and cadets take centre-stage in this six-day celebration, which takes place between June 20 and 26. See what Blackpool Council has planned here.
1. Monday, June 20 - Flag raising ceremony
Armed Forces Week officially begins on Monday with the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag above the historic Grade II-listed Town Hall in Talbot Square at 10.30am. Photo: Daniel Martino
2. Wednesday, June 22 - Marton Institute
A celebration of Britain's armed forces will take place at the Marton Institute, Oxford Square, from 6pm until 11.30pm. Live entertainment, music, bingo, a raffle, and a hot pot supper will all be provided at this free-to-attend event. Photo: Martin Bostock
3. Thursday, June 23 - Coral Island
Veterans and serving members of the armed forces are invited to Coral Island’s family bar, The Buccaneer, for a two-course carvery meal and complimentary drink between 3pm and 6.30pm. Spaces are limited, so people who want to attend the event are asked to pay a fully-refundable deposit of £5 to book a place, by calling 01253 922182. Members of local community groups are also welcome, including children’s organisations such as the Scouts, Cubs, Sea Cadets, and Brownies. Each child will receive £3 worth of 2p coins for the penny-pushers, a VIP card, and a voucher for a kids meal and drink from Peggy’s Snack Bar from 5pm onwards. To register a children’s organisation, email [email protected]. Photo: Daniel Martino
4. Friday, June 24 - Fylde Memorial Arboretum
A service of dedication will be led by the the Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee at the arboretum, on Millennium Grove, Moor Park Avenue, from 11am until 12.30pm.
Founded by D-Day veteran Don Aiken, the Fylde Memorial Arboretum stands as an area of remembrance that provides the service associations, and the people of Blackpool and the Fylde, a place of peace and beauty in which to remember their fallen comrades and loved ones. Photo: Daniel Martino
5. Saturday, June 25 - National Armed Forces Day
This year Blackpool's Armed Forces Day event will take place at the Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre at Blackpool Airport, Squires Gate Lane, from 10am until 4pm.
The commemorative event will focus on the role of the Royal Air Force in WWII, and the vital part played by ground and air crews serving at RAF Squires Gate. Visitors to Hangar 42 will be able to see Spitfire BM597, of the Polish Heritage Flight at Duxford Aerodrome, and learn about the Polish airmen who served from Blackpool during the war.
Entry is free for serving members of the UK armed forces, veterans and their families. Otherwise, entry is £8 for adults, and £4 for children. Photo: submit
6. Sunday, June 26 - Sunday morning service and parade
People can assemble at Blackpool Cenotaph on the seafront at 10.30am for a service to honour and unite Britain’s past, present and future armed forces. Attending the service will be veteran’s associations, cadets, serving military as well as their friends, families and associates.
Following the service, at 11.30am, members of the armed forces, veterans and cadets are invited to join in the military parade while others line the route and wave their Union Flags. Photo: Daniel Martino