Celebrate Armed Forces Day with a free family fun day in Stockport

Stockport is proud to support Armed Forces Day with a fantastic free, family-friendly event taking place in the town centre on Saturday, 28 June, celebrating the courage and commitment of our Armed Forces community, past and present. The day provides an important opportunity for people to come together to recognise and thank all those who have served or are currently serving their country, as well as their families and those we have lost in service. The event coincides with Armed Forces Week and is organised by the Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO), which represents the armed forces and ex-armed forces community.

The day will begin with a traditional military parade through Stockport town centre, featuring bands and Standards, starting at 10.45am from St Peter’s Square and finishing in the Market Place. Serving Armed Forces and ex-Armed Forces personnel are warmly invited to take part, assembling from 10.15am. Full dress code is not required, but can be worn if preferred.

What's on

Market Place and Underbank

Between 11am and 4pm, visitors can explore over 40 exhibitors and replica military displays. The Strawberry Radio stage will host live performances from local choirs and artists throughout the day. Stockport Museum will offer free children’s craft activities, and families can enjoy a free QR trail across the town centre that unlocks stories of Stockport’s military heritage.

Merseyway

From 11am to 3pm, families can meet a real aircraft pilot and admire a Spitfire. There will also be free craft activities for children and live performances by the vocal harmony group Diamond at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

Suffragette Square and Redrock

Between 11am and 3pm, large military vehicles including the Spartan will be on display. Visitors can also enjoy performances by the Sunshine Steel Band and Pipe Band with the Air Cadet band and standards leading a parade from Mersey Square down Princes Street at 11.55am.

Air Raid Shelters

Stockport’s iconic Air Raid Shelters will be open to visitors throughout the day (charges apply).

There’s also an opportunity for families to explore the town centre via a new QR trail.

Stockroom

Pop in for an afternoon of family fun in Stockroom Studios, 12-3pm. You can expect paper aeroplane races, den building and archive films. Add a note to the shared gratitude wall or write a personal message to yourself or a loved one, near, far, but never forgotten.'

Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection at Stockport Council, said: "Our serving Armed Forces and ex-Armed Forces personnel protect our way of life with their bravery and commitment and we are proud to work with SAFCO to strengthen and reinforce our commitment to the Armed Forces community. Join us this Armed Forces Day as we come together to celebrate and honour them with events and activities for people of all ages."

Amanda Peers, Chair of SAFCO, said: “Armed Forces Day is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and show appreciation for the incredible men and women who serve – and have served – our country. We’re proud to deliver this event and to honour their dedication, sacrifice, and the vital role they play in our lives. I would like to thank Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, and local businesses and organisations who make this all possible and allow local people to share in this very special day.”

The event is supported by Stockport Council and partners within the Armed Forces Covenant Steering Group. It is also sponsored by a range of local businesses and organisations, including S Dodgson Surfacing Contractors, SKY, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Market Place Management.