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Portsmouth's Armed Forces Day event returns to Southsea Common on Saturday 8 June 2024.

Salute Portsmouth's armed forces community at this special event, taking place as part of a week of commemorations for D-Day 80 (which includes the National Commemoration Event on 5 June, broadcast live on the BBC).

This special celebration for Portsmouth's Armed Forces Day will involve parades, music, military vehicles, parachute jumps and a whole lot more. BAE Systems is the headline sponsor this year, allowing organisers Portsmouth City Council to bring you even more action and excitement.

A full Red Arrows display across the Solent is part of a packed Armed Forces Day.

There will also be a Royal Navy parachute jump, military parades and vehicles, and live music throughout the day.

Funfair rides will be available to purchase, whilst a free climbing wall, laser tag and obstacle course will help keep children and adults entertained. Children can enjoy free arts and create poppies for the veterans' Remembrance Day lunch in November.

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 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.

No tickets are needed, people and families can just turn up and enjoy the day, which runs from 10am-4pm.

Please note the city is expected to be very busy across the week of D-Day 80 events. In addition to this there will be some road closures in place, as well as changes to parking. See our blog for all the details.

Visitors traveling to the event by car are advised to use the Southsea Park and Ride service (PR3) that departs every 15 minutes from the Portsmouth Park and Ride, conveniently located just off junction 1 of the M275. The first bus departs at 9.35am, and the last bus returns at 7.32pm. Tickets are just £4, covering up to five people from one vehicle. Simply show your ticket to the driver and you're set for a quicker and hassle free journey to the event. Hop off at Clarence Pier for a short walk to the event on Southsea Common. For more information visit portsmouth.gov.uk/parkandride.

Photo credit - Solent Sky Services