Leeds is transforming its annual Armed Forces Day into the Armed Forces Festival in 2024, extending the celebration throughout the month with an array of themed activities.
The festival will culminate in a central city event on Sunday, June 30. Hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, the Armed Forces Festival offers an opportunity for the community to express appreciation for members of the Armed Forces, including active service members, their families, reservists, veterans, and cadets. The festival invites all residents of Leeds to join in, promising a variety of activities to cater to diverse interests.
The 2024 Armed Forces Festival in Leeds is set to feature a diverse array of cultural and educational events throughout the month. Highlights include:
Leeds Museums and Galleries hosting a series of talks and exhibitions.
A special D-Day anniversary music and comedy show at City Varieties.
An armed forces career event organized by the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Trust.
A unique tour at the Thackray Museum of Medicine, which served as a military hospital during the First World War.
Additionally, the Leeds Library Service will offer a variety of festival-related activities, including exhibitions, lectures by local experts, family history workshops, and a curated online gallery on the Leodis photography platform focusing on the armed forces.
The festival also features a special event during the weekend of June 8-9 at the Royal Armouries, where visitors can enjoy a free D-Day 80 weekend. This will include blank firing demonstrations, performance pieces based on first-hand accounts from the Normandy beaches, and technical talks about weapon development during the Second World War.
The month-long Armed Forces Festival in Leeds will culminate with the main Armed Forces Day event on Sunday, June 30. This day will be packed with family-friendly activities, including parades, stalls, exhibitions, and live music. In a change from previous years, the flag-raising ceremony, traditionally held the Saturday before Armed Forces Day, will now occur on the day itself, enhancing the pomp and ceremony of the occasion.
The Lord Mayor Elect, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung said:
“Leeds has a long history of supporting and celebrating our armed forces and this is a tradition I am keen to continue during my year as Lord Mayor. This year is special as we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, so it is fitting that we expand what is traditionally a one-day event into a month-long festival that offers something for everyone.
“There are some exciting events. I am particularly looking forward to learning more about our rich armed forces history in the city, including the incredible Barnbow Lasses, who are set to be recognised with a Civic Hall inscription.
“The Armed Forces Festival will be an incredible way not only to say thank you to the men and women of the armed forces community for the work they undertake around the globe but also a fun and engaging day out for all the family.
“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.”
Leeds Armed Forces Day is a pivotal event in the city, dedicated to honoring the bravery and service of military personnel, including active troops, veterans, reservists, and cadets. This special day is part of a broader effort to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of the armed forces community to the nation.
The celebration typically features a variety of activities suited for all ages, making it a family-friendly event. Attendees can expect parades showcasing military bands and personnel in full regalia, which create a vivid display of the city’s military heritage. Stalls and exhibitions provide insights into the lives of service members, offering educational content alongside entertaining activities.
Music plays a significant role in the day’s festivities, with performances that often include patriotic tunes and military anthems that resonate with many. Demonstrations and displays of military equipment allow the public to engage directly with the tools and technology used by the armed forces.
Leeds Armed Forces Day also serves an educational purpose, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of military efforts and history among attendees. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, showing solidarity and support for those who serve.
A special flag-raising ceremony is a highlight of the day, symbolizing respect and appreciation for the armed forces. This ceremony, filled with dignity and tradition, is a poignant reminder of the commitment and sacrifices made by military personnel.
Leeds Armed Forces Day not only celebrates military personnel but also strengthens the community’s connection to its national history and heroes, making it a significant and memorable day for all who participate.
For the most recent details about all the events happening during the Armed Forces Festival, please visit www.millsqleeds.com
