Armed Forces Day Service and Parade

Published Monday, 05 June 2023
Parade of mixed gender and age armed forces parading in town, four of which can be seen carrying large flags

A special service and parade will be held in Hinckley on Saturday 24 June to enable people to show their support for the Armed Forces.

Organised by the Borough Council in partnership with the Hinckley combined Armed Forces and Veterans Community and Churches Together, the event will include representatives from several regiments, nationalities, sections, and services, including the local cadet forces.

Now in its 15th year, Armed Forces Day offers everyone a chance to thank the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans, and cadets.

At 10.45am a procession will leave from outside Jaspers store on Castle Street and march down Castle Street and into Argents Mead for a service at 11am which will be led by Reverend Ian Hill of St Marys Church. Afterwards the parade will make its way down Castle Street and along Station Road where a formal salute will be taken. 

A variety of military vehicles and memorabilia will be on display in Argents Mead for visitors to view, these are kindly supplied by volunteers including those from Charnwood MVT (affiliated to the Military Vehicle Trust) and their members. A walk about ‘Biggles’ will also be in the Mead offering balloon modelling.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Dawn Glenville said:

"This year as ever, offers an opportunity to highlight the sacrifices that were made for the freedoms that we enjoy today and to recognise the ongoing service that our Armed Forces undertake.

“Armed Forces Day is both an opportunity to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and a celebration for the steadfast service that our serving, reserves and veterans have given. The day offers the opportunity to consider the wider armed forces family such as those Cadet Forces, servicemen and women's families and civilian support personnel.

“Finally, I would both welcome and encourage citizens of Hinckley and Bosworth to come and support Armed Forces Day, previous events have been very well attended, with the historic vehicle collection receiving fantastic reviews."