Community invited to join Armed Forces Day celebrations
Armed Forces Day will be celebrated at Lydiard Park this summer to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Published: Thursday, 6th March 2025
And Swindon Borough Council is inviting local groups and members of the public to be part of the celebrations.
The Council is hosting this year’s event, with the support of local Armed Forces organisations. It is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.
It also marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning on Monday 23 June, when the public show their support and appreciation for the Armed Forces community.
Swindon Armed Forces Day will be held at Lydiard Park on Saturday, 28 June between 11am and 4pm.
The free event will feature stalls, a funfair, dance troupe performances and a mini concert, but anyone who would like to get involved and contribute to a memorable and meaningful event for the Swindon community should email Nav Hasan at: nhasan@swindon.gov.uk including ‘Swindon Armed Forces Day Committee 2025’ in the subject line.
Members of the organising committee are also keen to hear from any schools, Scouts or Brownie groups who would like to take part in the day.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I am really pleased we will once again mark Armed Forces Day in Swindon and this year will be particularly poignant with it being the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
“Armed Forces Day is incredibly important as it gives us all a chance to show our support for the Armed Forces community not just in Swindon but across the UK, from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.
“We want this to be the best Swindon Armed Forces event we have ever held and I would encourage local groups, schools, and members of the public to get involved on the day.”
Councillor Junab Ali, Swindon Borough Council’s Member Champion for the Armed Forces, said: “As a nation we owe a great debt to our Armed Forces so I am delighted the Council has stepped in to help organise a day where we can all show our appreciation for the sacrifice they have made and continue to make on our behalf.
“This will be a fantastic celebration for Swindon and our local communities so if you want to take part on the day the organising committee would love to hear from you.”
Major Luke Bowdidge, B COMPANY 7 RIFLES, said: “We consider it a real privilege and a pleasure to take part in Armed Forces Day alongside the veterans, youth and community groups on such an historic commemoration for the whole country.
“We’re really grateful to the Council for stepping in and hosting the event at Lydiard Park and look forward to sharing and celebrating the sacrifices of our Armed Forces, which have given us the freedoms and values we continue to hold dear today.”