Portsmouth Armed Forces Day 2024

Portsmouth will mark the conclusion of its D-Day 80 commemorations with a huge Armed Forces Day celebration on Southsea Common.

The event is always a chance to recognise and give thanks to those involved with the UK armed forces, but this year it will take on special significance coming at the end of national commemorations to mark 80 years since the Normandy Campaign.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the event.

When is Portsmouth Armed Forces Day?

Portsmouth's Armed Forces Day celebration will take place on Saturday 8 June. This is slightly earlier than the national Armed Forces Day events, scheduled for 29 June. This has been done so that Portsmouth can cap a week of commemoration events with a large event open to all, so that everyone can come together and give thanks to not only our current crop of Armed Forces personnel but also those who took part in the D-Day campaign some 80 years ago.

The event will open at 10am and run through to 4pm.

Where is Portsmouth Armed Forces Day?

The event will take place on Southsea Common, around the area where the National D-Day Commemoration will have taken place just a few days previously. However, Armed Forces Day will be open to all - no tickets will be required and there are no terms of entry, visitors can just turn up and enjoy the day.

What will happen at Armed Forces Day?

A whole host of events and activities have been planned for 8 June. Perhaps the biggest of these is the Red Arrows, who will be dazzling the crowds with a full display in the skies above the Solent.

There will also be a Royal Navy parachute jump, as well as military parades and vehicles.

Attendees can also enjoy live music throughout Armed Forces Day, whilst for the youngsters there will be funfair rides, a climbing wall, obstacle course, laser tag and more. Children can also help make poppies that will be put to good use at a veterans' Remembrance Day lunch taking place later in the year.

If you can't make it to Armed Forces Day or any of the events marking D-Day 80, follow our social channels for all the latest - the links are at the very top of this page.

Is it free?

Yes. The event is free to attend and open to all. No tickets are required, simply turn up on the day.

Other information

No drones will be permitted to fly during the Red Arrows display, over the common or within the Solent.

BAE Systems is the headline sponsor for Portsmouth's Armed Forces Day, providing funding that has allowed organisers Portsmouth City Council to bring attendees even more action and excitement.

World of Warships, the world leading naval battle online game, is also providing sponsorship to the event. It will have a photobooth for visitors to enjoy and will host panels discussions during the event. Game stations with a special D-Day mode will also be available for adults and children who are old enough to play.

Update: The World of Warships area was very busy during Armed Forces Day with long queues for those who wanted to play. If you missed out on giving the game a go, there's still a chance - follow this link for all the details.

The photograph of Armed Forces Day 2023 is courtesy of Solent Sky Services.