Air Displays And Parade Details Revealed For Scarborough Armed Forces Day

Scarborough is preparing to host a full day of spectacular aerial displays, military performances, and ceremonial moments for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Crowds heading to Scarborough at the end of June can look forward to a full day of spectacular aerial displays, military performances, and ceremonial moments as the Yorkshire coast hosts one of the region’s biggest Armed Forces celebrations.

The resort will host Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27, which will see air displays alongside colourful parades, musical performances, and family activities. Thousands of people are expected to visit the North Yorkshire town to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans, and cadets.

The annual event, which will begin at 11am and run until 5pm, is once again being hosted by North Yorkshire Council as part of its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Councillor Carl Les, said:

"Scarborough Armed Forces Day is more than an event - it’s a show of unity, pride and community spirit.

The event is one of hundreds held across the country on this day to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community to selflessly and bravely serve our country, from the troops currently serving to service families, veterans and cadets.

Together we thank and celebrate all who serve or have served."

Those planning their visit can explore military air displays, which form an integral part of the day’s event. This year, there will be six displays, including a high-energy, high-speed performance from the RAF Typhoon and a flypast from the RAF Chinook.

The aerial schedule kicks off at 11.30am with the RAF Chinook, one of the RAF’s most recognisable aircraft, which is capable of carrying up to 55 troops or heavy cargo loads. This will be followed at 11.40am by the RAF Tutor T Mark 1, which will take to the skies with a precision display.

The afternoon schedule brings a powerful mid-afternoon display at 1.30pm from the Hawker Fury, a descendant of the legendary Sea Fury. At 2.30pm, an agile gyroplane, the Calidus AutoGyro, promises a fascinating display, before one of Britain’s most iconic aircraft, the RAF Supermarine Spitfire, returns to Scarborough’s skies at 3.30pm.

The day’s headline display will take place at 4.05pm, when the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 will be ready to captivate audiences with the raw power, speed, and agility of the frontline fighter.

On the ground, there will be traditional military marches, band displays, presentations, and live music throughout the afternoon. Among those performing will be the Scarborough Sea Cadets and veterans, with standards and cadets’ parades led by the Queen’s Own Yeomanry and the Yorkshire Volunteers Band. This year’s attractions also feature a Chelsea Pensioners display, marking their first appearance at Scarborough Armed Forces Day.

North Yorkshire has more than 12,000 people who work for the Ministry of Defence and 3,000 children from service families in schools. Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire is one of the country’s largest military bases, and there are other barracks at Dishforth, Ripon, and Topcliffe. The county is also home to Royal Air Force stations at Leeming, Fylingdales, and Menwith Hill, as well as the Harrogate-based Army Foundation College.

The county was one of the first places in the UK to have an Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring military personnel and veterans have access to services across the private and public sectors.

The council’s Armed Forces champion, Councillor Kevin Foster, said:

"Armed Forces Day is always a highlight for Scarborough, and this year promises to be another memorable event.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together and show their appreciation for those who serve, from currently serving personnel to veterans, cadets and their families. We’re very proud to host such an important celebration on our coastline."

Meanwhile, Army Cadets will be leading the flag-raising at Scarborough Town Hall on Monday, June 22, which will mark the official opening of the event.

Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day will be sponsored by the Skipton Building Society for the second year running. More details, including all the event timings, can be found on the official Scarborough Armed Forces Day website at https://www.scarborougharmedforcesday.co.uk/plan-your-visit/