Armed Forces Day 2018 events in Liverpool

Liverpool will mark 2018 Armed Forces Day with events and activities on the city’s waterfront.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, June 30 and is a chance for the city to mark the contribution to the protection of the UK by service men and women, veterans and cadets.

The day of activities starts with a formal Drumhead service in Exchange Flags at 10.30am, followed by a parade to the newly-named Royal Albert Dock, led by the pipes and drums of the Royal Artillery’s 103 Regiment.

Activities will be held on the waterfront from 10am to 4pm, including the chance to see military vehicles, weapons and equipment used by modern-day Armed Forces.

Meanwhile artist Simon Armstrong has created a Tree of Thanks that will be on display at the Royal Albert Dock on the day, with people encouraged to write messages of thanks to Armed Forces ‘branches’ and hang them on the tree.

Armed Forces Week starts on Monday, June 25 with a flag raising at Liverpool Town Hall.

Ahead of Armed Forces Day, the city will also mark the centenary of HMS Eaglet with a Drum and Flag service of commemoration at Exchange Flags at 7.30pm on June 27 – designated National Reservists Day.

Reservists make up approximately one sixth of Armed Forces personnel and are integral to protecting the national security at home and overseas, particularly providing capability in specialist areas such as medical and cyber security.

Ian Francis, Armed Forces Champion for Liverpool said: “To be celebrating our Armed forces and Reserve forces is something as a city we look forward to every year. Having the opportunity to thank Regulars and Reserves is incredibly important for us,

Liverpool has a very long and proud tradition of supporting the services and being Armed Forces friendly.”