Armed Forces Week

Celebrating Britain's armed forces, past, present and future.

It’s only fitting that don’t-do-it-by-halves Blackpool should host a whole week of events, during 24-30 June, to celebrate the British Armed Forces rather than just a day like other parts of the country.

Armed Forces Week Blackpool is the resorts’ annual opportunity to show it’s support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, and from veterans to cadets.

What's On 

Blackpool Cenotaph Illuminated Tribute

Dates: 24 – 30 June 2013
Time: Dusk – approx 21:45
Location: Promenade, adjacent to North Pier

Providing a unique tribute to our Forces both past, present and future. A respectful programme of moving and static images that will be projected onto the full height of Blackpool’s Grade 2 listed War Memorial.

Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony

Date: 24 June 2013
Time: 10:00 approx arrival of the flag, 10:30 flag raising
Location: Blackpool Town Hall

Blackpool joins the nation in this countrywide tribute. The Armed Forces Day flag will be returned  to the Mayor of Blackpool prior to it being raised above the Town Hall at 10.30am.

Music For Heroes

Date: 24 June 2013
Time: 19:30
Location: Blackpool Opera House, Winter Gardens

Tickets: Free to Veteran badge holders and serving members on production of MOD 90. Available from Tourist Information Centre at Festival House on the Promenade and Blackpool Winter Gardens. TEL: 01253 478222

Blackpool says thank you to the Armed Forces past and present, with this free musical extravaganza featuring the Band of the King’s Division, The Irish Guard Singers and much more. 

Going to the Flicks

Date: 25-28 June 2013
Time: Film to start at 10:00
Location: Odeon Cinema, Rigby Road

A special invitation only wartime cinema experience for primary aged school children, depicting the lives of children in the UK during the Second World War. During the morning the children will also have explained to them the significance of the National Anthem.

Revolution De Cuba

Date: 25 June 2013
Time: All Day
Location: 35 Market Street, Blackpool, FY1 1EZ

1940’s singer in the evening.

50% off food all day and 50% off drinks.

Offer only open to Veteran badge holders and serving forces personnel on production of MOD 90.

Afternoon Tea Dance

Date: 26 June 2013
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Location: The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Tickets: £10.95 available from the Blackpool Tower Box office.

World-renowned resident organist Phil Kelsall will play the Mighty Wurlitzer at an armed forces themed afternoon tea dance in the magnificent surroundings of Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom. Entertainment will include a performance from the Band of the King’s Division and there will be an exhibition showcasing archive photographs from Blackpool’s military past.

Armed Forces Career Information Day

Date: 27 June 2013
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Location: Blackpool Town Hall
Tickets: Free

In partnership with Blackpool Council Connexions Service representatives from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF will be available to offer careers guidance to anyone interested in Joining the Armed Forces. Come along to Blackpool Town Hall between 10am and 2pm and speak to the professionals. For further information contact Connexions on 01253 754840.

Armed Forces and Veterans Dine Out for Free

Dates: 27 June 2013
Time:  Contact the venue for further information, Tel. 01253 296656
Location: Buccaneer Family Bar, Coral Island, Promenade, Blackpool
Tickets: Advanced booking is essential (Proof of service required, i.e. MOD 90, Veterans’ badge etc, offer subject to limited availability).

Coral Island says thank you to our Armed Forces, veterans and their families with this generous invitation to dine out and enjoy a free carvery meal.

Fylde Memorial Arboretum

Date: Friday 28 June 2013
Tickets: Free event
Time: From 11am
Venue: Millennium Grove, Moor Park Avenue, FY2 0LY

For further information tel. 01253 478222

A Service of Dedication to commemorate our Armed Forces and veterans.

The unveiling of a plaque in honour of a Blackpool & Fylde hero (Fusilier Sam Flint-Broughton 21, of Poulton) who has died for his country whilst serving in Afghanistan, and also other plaques which have been paired with Arboretum trees by their loved ones.

Armed Forces Week Gala Dinner

Date: 28 June 2013
Time: Reception at 19:00, Dinner Served at 19:30, Carriages at Midnight
Location: Norbreck Castle Hotel
Tickets: £18.95, contact venue for details on 01253 352341

Members of the Armed Forces, veterans, families, friends and supporters are invited to enjoy a five-course meal followed by entertainment from a top-class cabaret line up and band. Dress code: lounge suits, blazers or black tie. Medals may be worn.

National Armed Forces Day

Date: 29 June 2013
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Location: St Johns Square, Blackpool Town Centre

Celebrating National Armed Forces Day with the Band of the King’s Division, the Irish Guard Singers, military vehicles, educational talks and a RAF Spitfire flypast (subject to serviceability) and much more. 

Cedar Tavern

Date: 29 June 2013
Time: All Day
Location: Cedar Square, Blackpool Town Centre,

Free Entertainment. Discounted food and drinks all day.

Offer only open to Veteran badge holders and serving members on production of MOD 90.

Armed Forces Day Gala Night in Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Date: 29 June 2013
Time: 19:30 – 12.00
Location: The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Tickets: £12.00 Available from The Tower Box Office

Enjoy a night of music and live entertainment in The Tower Ballroom celebrating Armed Forces Day. Performances will include a sunset ceremony from the Band of the King’s Division, world renowned organist Phil Kelsall and the Mike James Orchestra.

Sunday Morning Service & New Name Dedication

Date: 30 June 2013
Time: Assemble from 10:30, Service 11:00
Location: Blackpool Cenotaph

Blackpool comes together to celebrate, honour, and unite Britain’s Armed Forces past, present and future. This year will see an extended service to remember the fallen whose names have been added to the Blackpool Cenotaph. Attending the service will be veterans, cadets, serving military. Everyone is welcome.

Armed Forces and Veterans Parade

Date: 30 June 2013
Time: 11:30 approx.
Location: Blackpool Cenotaph/Promenade

Following the Sunday morning service at the Cenotaph, Blackpool invites members of the Armed Forces, veterans and cadets to join in the short parade along the Promenade. Friends, family, and members of the general public are invited to line the route, cheer and wave their Union Flags.

Fylde Ex-Service Liason Committee		National Armed Forces Day