Armed Forces Day Service and Parade 2025

The service will also include a special mention of the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day.

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.

Now in its 17th 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 approximately 10.45am a procession will leave from outside Jasper's store on Castle Street and march into Argents Mead for a celebratory service at 11am. The service will be led by Reverend Ian Hill of St Mary's Church and supported by the mayor's chaplain Revd Kimberley Ford. After, the parade will go down Castle Street and along Station Road where a formal salute will be taken. The salute will be led by Mr Priyesh Patel MBE DL who will be representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire.

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.

Cllr Dawn Glenville, Armed Forces Champion at the Borough Council said: "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 cadet forces, servicemen and women's families and civilian support personnel.

“Following on from the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of VE Day and in recognition of the forthcoming VJ Day I hope that residents and visitors will take the opportunity to come and support Armed Forces Day.”