Armed Forces Day Service and Parade 2026

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 18th 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 10.50am 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 the Mayor’s Chaplain Reverend Ian Hill. 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 Kevin Buchanan DL. who will be representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire. 
 
Cllr Dawn Glenville, Armed Forces Champion at the Borough Council said: "Armed Forces Day is an opportunity both to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to celebrate the dedicated service given by our serving personnel, reservists and veterans. It is also a chance to recognise the wider armed forces community, including cadet forces, the families of servicemen and women, and civilian support personnel. I hope that residents and visitors will take the opportunity to come and support Armed Forces Day.”  
 
Following the parade in Argent’s Mead, visitors can enjoy a range of attractions, including a stand showcasing wartime memorabilia and a stall hosted by the Hinckley branch of the Royal British Legion. Younger visitors will also be entertained with children’s tomahawk throwing, taking place between 10am and 2pm, as well as a stilt-walking performance from Mr Biggles.  

Photo: Taken at the 2025 service.