Now in its second year, the Leeds Armed Forces Festival is set to return with a dynamic line-up of themed events and activities, all building up to Armed Forces Day at the end of next month.
The festival promises a variety of engaging and inclusive events across the city, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to honour and celebrate Leeds’s armed forces community. Hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, the festival offers a meaningful opportunity for the city to come together and honour the dedication and sacrifice of the armed forces community. From serving personnel and reservists to veterans, cadets, and military families, the event celebrates all those who play a role in protecting and supporting our nation.
Everyone in Leeds is invited to take part in this year’s Armed Forces Festival, with a diverse line-up of events offering something for all interests and ages. Festival highlights include the popular 1940s Weekend at Lotherton Hall, special exhibitions at the Royal Armouries, a Commonwealth War Graves tour, and ‘Tea and Talk’ at Temple Newsam. Visitors can also enjoy a curator-led talk and object-handling session at Leeds Discovery Centre, along with a series of social history club events hosted at Leeds City Museum throughout June, July, and August.
Back by popular demand, the special themed tour of the Thackray Museum of Medicine returns, shining a spotlight on the building’s historic role as a First World War military hospital. Also making a triumphant return, the beloved D-Day Darlings will take to the stage at City Varieties with an uplifting new show marking VE and VJ Day.
Lord Mayor Elect, Councillor Dan Cohen said:
“Leeds has a long tradition of supporting our armed forces in both war and peace, and I look forward to continuing that tradition during my year as Lord Mayor. This year, Armed Forces Day has added significance as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day; remembering, reflecting, and commemorating those who fought, worked, and sacrificed to allow us our way of life today.
“While a fun and engaging day for all the family, the Armed Forces Festival is also an incredible way to say thank you to the men and women of the armed forces community, past, present, and future.
“I would like to extend an invitation to everyone in Leeds, and I look forward to seeing as many people at the different events as possible.”
The highlight of the Leeds Armed Forces Festival will be the city’s official Armed Forces Day celebration on Sunday, June 29. The day will begin with the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag in Victoria Gardens at 10:30am, followed by a parade of military personnel, veterans, and cadets through the city centre. The procession will make its way to Briggate, where the Lord Mayor of Leeds will take the salute, accompanied by music from the West Yorkshire Police Band.
From 11am to 4pm, Briggate will be transformed into a vibrant event space, filled with family-friendly activities, military displays, parades, stalls, exhibitions, and live music. And, weather permitting, spectators will be treated to a dramatic flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s iconic C47 Dakota/Skytrain — a powerful tribute to the UK’s military history.
For full details on the Leeds Armed Forces Festival and Armed Forces Day events, please visit www.millsqleeds.com
