Armed Forces Week is Blackpool's opportunity to say thank you to our heroes. Celebrated annually since 2006, the week has become a key fixture in Blackpool's events calendar.
From 22 to 28 June, the town will come together to welcome serving personnel, veterans and cadets and their families to enjoy a programme of activities throughout the week.
Here are some of what's on:
Armed Forces Week Flag Raising
Date: 22 June
Time: approx. 10.30am
Location: Blackpool Town Hall, Talbot Square
Blackpool Armed Forces Week officially begins with the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag above the Town Hall.
Meet members of the Armed Forces Covenant
22 to 27 June
Location: Houndshill Shopping Centre
Throughout the week, members of Blackpool's Covenant will be available to offer advice and showcase the wide range of support available to Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
The Covenant is a voluntary pledge.
Organisations may choose to sign up in order to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces Community and for the principles of the Covenant. All organisations – public, private or voluntary and small, medium or large – are welcome to sign the Covenant. Organisations can sign up here.
Fylde Memorial Arboretum
Date: 26 June
Time: Arrival from 10:30am. Service begins at 11:00am
Location: Millennium Grove, Moor Park Avenue, FY2 0LY
Founded by Don Aiken, a D-Day Veteran and located in the fields next to Moor Park School, the Fylde Memorial Arboretum stands as an area of remembrance that provides the service associations, and the people of Blackpool and the Fylde, a place of peace and beauty in which to remember their fallen comrades and loved ones.
As part of Blackpool Armed Forces week, the Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee will host a service of dedication at the centre of the Memorial Arboretum's Glade area.
Visitor Spitfire Centre
Date: 27 June 2026
Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Step back in time to WW2 this Armed Forces Day by visiting Hangar 42, home of the Spitfire Visitor Centre and the former RAF Squires Gate Night Fighter base at Blackpool Airport. Discover the fascinating story of Blackpool’s wartime past and the vital role played by RAF personnel, both in the air and on the ground during the War years.Explore the atmospheric WWII Hangar, get up close to historic aircraft, and enjoy an informative and engaging experience brought to life by a dedicated team of volunteers. This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn more about the history and contribution of the UK Armed Forces.
Location: Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre, Blackpool Airport, Squires Gate Lane, FY4 2QY
Tickets: Entry to Hangar 42 is offered at a 50% discount for serving members of the UK Armed Forces and UK Veterans and their Spouse/Partner upon presentation of valid ID (e.g. MOD 90 or Veterans Badge).
Admission to the Spitfire Visitor Centre (for non-serving visitors) is £12.00 for adults, £6.00 for children aged 6–16, with free entry for children aged 5 and under. Concessions for Care Workers with a patient and family group tickets are also available. Pay on arrival.
Further information can be found here: Spitfire Visitor Centre - Hangar 42 Blackpool
Conditions:
No pets permitted inside Hangar 42.
Backpacks or similar large bags are not permitted.
All Virtual Reality and cockpit experiences are charged at point of use.
Free car parking is available on site. Visitors can also make use of the on-site NAAFI café, serving drinks and cakes. The Hangar is suitable for wheelchair access and disabled and baby changing facilities are available.
Sunday Morning Service & Parade
Date: 28 June
Time: Assemble from 10:30am | Service at 11:00am | Parade approx. 11:30am
Location: Blackpool Cenotaph, Promenade
Blackpool will come together to honour Britain's Armed Forces past, present and future in a moving service at the Grade II-listed War Memorial.
The event will be attended by veterans' associations, cadets, serving personnel, as well as their friends, families and associates.
Following the service, members of the Armed Forces, veterans and cadets are invited to take part in the parade.
Friends, family and the public are encouraged to line the route and show their support.
Those wanting to lay wreaths may do so after the service.
Blackpool Tourism Limited
Blackpool Tourism Limited is proud to support our Armed Forces -past and present - with free entry for serving and retired personnel (with valid military ID) to the following attractions:
- Sandcastle Waterpark
- The Blackpool Tower (Tower Top, Circus, Ballroom and Dungeons)
- Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Make it a family day out! Enjoy 50% off admission for up to 4 guests when you book online using code 'AFW50'. No need to book the free military ticket - just bring your ID on the day.
Valid: 22 to 28 June
Please note: Offer available online only. Military ID required at admissions.
Blackpool Transport
Sailors, soldiers and other members of the military, past and present, can enjoy free bus and tram travel on the Fylde Coast on the 27 and 28 June.
With a series of events taking place in the area on Saturday and Sunday, Blackpool Transport is planning to play its part in recognising the huge sacrifices they’ve made while serving their country.
The travel offer is open to anyone carrying a valid ID, such as a Service ID card or a veteran’s badge/ ID card, and while it applies across the network.
Blackpool Football Club Community Trust
Blackpool Football Club Community Trust in support of Armed Forces personnel, offer a range of activities.Through sport, wellbeing initiatives, social engagement and community-based programmes, participants are provided with opportunities to improve physical fitness, strengthen resilience, build lasting connections and access valuable support services.
See more information and upcoming events on the website.