Cleethorpes is abuzz with excitement and pride as it hosts the National Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 28, 2025, marking the event's return to the coastal town for the first time in nearly a decade. This prestigious occasion shines a national spotlight on Cleethorpes, a resort famed for hosting the UK's largest Armed Forces Weekend, and has been organized with remarkable speed and dedication by a small but mighty team of volunteers.
With just three weeks' official notice, the volunteer-led Armed Forces Major Events Team (AFMET) sprang into action to prepare for the celebrations. Alex Baxter, Managing Director for North East Lincolnshire’s AFMET, acknowledged the challenge but expressed immense pride in the community and the event's significance. "Normally you would be given at least a year’s notice to do this. We didn’t quite realise until recently that the National Armed Forces Day hadn’t been held for a couple of years — I think it was to do with difficulties in delivering or financial constraints. However, that seems to very much have changed this year," he told Gi Grimsby News.
Cleethorpes’ reputation as the host of the UK's largest Armed Forces Weekend, which spans an impressive 2.5 kilometers along the resort's seafront, was a decisive factor in securing the national event. The location’s unique appeal, particularly its suitability for spectacular air displays, combined with strong local support, made it the perfect choice. "Plus, it’s opened up commercial interest in the economy. We support the visitor economy by significant millions each year, and the local authority doesn’t have to pay for it. We raise the funds through sponsors and trading, and it’s converted straight out to pay for things like the Red Arrows and all the attractions," Baxter explained.
The event is not only a celebration and a heartfelt thank you to the armed forces but also a major boon to the local economy. It draws thousands of visitors and generates millions in revenue, supporting businesses and the wider community. The entire operation is run by a dedicated team of just eight unpaid volunteers, who bring professionalism and passion to the task. "It’s been a fairly manic couple of weeks but we’re there. And it would be nice for the community to say thank you to the volunteers — eight volunteers, unpaid, dedicated, who are professionals who have chosen to use what skills they have, and their time, to say thank you to the men and women of the armed forces," Baxter said.
Defence Secretary John Healey has been praised for reviving the National Armed Forces Day after a hiatus caused by financial and logistical difficulties. His support has helped bring the event back to life, rekindling a tradition that unites communities across the UK in honouring current and former service members and their families.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, TransPennine Express (TPE) has stepped up its services, running extra trains and providing more seats over the weekend. From Friday, June 27, to Sunday, June 29, TPE will operate an additional 26 shuttle services between Grimsby Town and Cleethorpes on both Saturday and Sunday. These efforts aim to ease travel for thousands of attendees and manage the expected busy crowds. Andrew McClements, Customer Experience and Transformation Director for TPE, urged passengers to plan ahead: "Armed Forces Day is a fantastic event that brings communities together in celebration and remembrance. We’re proud to support the national celebrations by arranging more trains for visitors, but trains are still going to be exceptionally busy and, we’re asking customers to plan ahead and give themselves plenty of time when travelling." The first shuttle service on both days departs Grimsby at 9:53 am, with the last service leaving Cleethorpes at 6:01 pm on Saturday and 6:33 pm on Sunday. Additionally, several services between Liverpool and Manchester to Cleethorpes will be strengthened to six carriages, offering more seats for travelers coming from further afield.
Despite the extensive planning and excitement, not all anticipated attractions will take to the skies. The RAF Typhoon Display Team announced their withdrawal from the weekend’s flying displays due to circumstances beyond their control. A spokesperson for the Cleethorpes Armed Forces Team confirmed the news, expressing concern and well wishes for the team. However, the Typhoon Display Team’s PR tent remains on site, offering visitors the chance to learn about RAF careers and engage with personnel.
The rest of the event schedule remains packed with activities and displays. On Saturday, festivities begin at 10 am with the opening of the community stage and the Meridian Showground. Parades featuring vehicles, motorcycles, and military personnel will wind through the town starting at 11 am and 11:30 am respectively. Highlight performances include the renowned Red Arrows display at 12:30 pm and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at 3 pm. The community stage will host music and military bands throughout the day, culminating in a "Thank You" concert and a firework display at approximately 10:25 pm. Sunday’s program starts at 10:30 am, with flying displays including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight from 3 pm to 4:30 pm, before the event closes at 5 pm.
Adding a creative and symbolic touch to the celebrations, CATCH, a prominent local organization, has sponsored and supported the event by designing and manufacturing a striking sign reading '#AFD'. Towering over six feet tall, the sign was crafted by a team including Arron Kearney (Welding and Pipefitting Team Leader), Dan Ridley (Metal Fabrication Trainer), Alan Bunce (Welding and Fabrication Trainer), and several first-year apprentices. Painted in Red, Light Blue, and Dark Blue to reflect the tri-service flag, the installation also features the CATCH logo and will be prominently placed between The Remembrance Gate and the top of the Pelican Waterfall.
David Talbot, Chief Executive Officer of CATCH, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "As an Armed Forces Silver Employer and having operated within the Humber Region for over two decades, it truly is an absolute pleasure to have been invited to support the Armed Forces Day Event in Cleethorpes. I am truly blown away by what has been created by both our trainers and apprentices, and hope that the piece has the potential to become a centre piece of the event for years to come." Alex Baxter echoed this sentiment, highlighting the sign’s role in educating young people about the armed forces and fostering community spirit. "The weekend is all about thanking members of the armed forces, past, present and future, and their families for their service to the country, and we can’t wait to see lots of people take photos in front of the letters and show their support too," he said.
Arron Kearney described the project as a team effort and a personal honour, noting the learning opportunities it provided for apprentices tasked with solving unique design challenges. Dan Ridley added that the letters stand as a dedication and tribute to veterans and serving members alike, reflecting the passion and respect of those involved in their creation.
The National Armed Forces Day celebrations in Cleethorpes this weekend are a testament to community spirit, volunteer dedication, and national pride. Despite the challenges of short notice and unforeseen changes, the event promises a memorable tribute to the armed forces, drawing visitors from near and far to honour those who serve and have served. It’s a weekend filled with parades, music, flying displays, and heartfelt thanks—a true celebration of service and sacrifice on the stunning seafront of Cleethorpes.
