Wakefield Armed Forces Day is on Saturday 29 June

Pontefract Park is set to host this year’s Wakefield Armed Forces Day 2024, on Saturday 29 June.   
   
The free and family friendly event is from 10am to 4.30pm and offers a packed programme that celebrates the contribution of serving and veteran members of the armed forces and the wider armed forces community.    

*Due to the ongoing investigation and continuing pause of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flying activity after the tragic accident on 25 May 2024, the BBMF will not be conducting any displays or flypasts in the coming week and therefore the Spitfire and Hurricane flypast at Wakefield Armed Forces Day has been withdrawn. Thank you for your understanding.
   
Activities include military displays and performances in the arena. There will also be food trucks, community stalls and a craft market.   

Cllr Josie Pritchard, Wakefield Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “This is always a fun packed and free day out for all the family. It gives people an opportunity to show their support for the Armed Forces and the outstanding work they do for our country.”  
   
There’ll be several events to watch including the K9 Fireside police dog trials, and performances by Yorkshire Prose, The Yorkshire Military Band, Blue Light Static Displays, Buglers Display as well as The Veterans Parade, Community Group performances, and a helicopter free fall parachute display!    
    
Rhubarb Radio will be broadcasting live on-air throughout the day.   
   
If the weather is warm people are advised to bring drinks, shade, sunscreen and hats. Well-behaved dogs and their owners are also welcome.   
   
As this is a popular event, people are urged, if possible, to car share, use public transport or walk, as the roads and car parks will be very busy.   
   
Find out more about the event at Wakefield Armed Forces Day | Experience Wakefield  
   
For information:
   
•    Armed Forces personnel are deployed around the world, often in dangerous and difficult conditions.  
•    They are helping other nations’ humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts as well as protecting the UK.    
•    Public support for them and their families is vital. The Armed Forces community is diverse and includes Reservists, veterans, cadets and Service families. Anyone who has previously served is deemed a veteran regardless of age and is a valued part of our society.    
•    British businesses and the public are recognising the sacrifices made by the AF community by helping them cope with life in the Services - as promised in the AF Covenant.