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Swindon’s Armed Forces Day celebrations just a month away

By Barrie Hudson - 2 June 2025

CommunityAttractionsHeritage

The countdown is on for the return of Armed Forces Day in Swindon.

With just under a month to go until the big day, a fun-packed entertainment schedule has been announced and local people are being encouraged to put the date in their diaries so they don’t miss out.

Swindon Borough Council is hosting this year’s event on Saturday 28 June at Lydiard Park from 11am until 4pm, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Local Armed Forces organisations, community groups and local people will all be involved on the day and the celebration will mark the grand finale of a week of national tributes to recognise the courage, commitment and sacrifice of service personnel past and present.

Those who attend can expect a day filled with entertainment for all ages, featuring a funfair by Steven Hill Fun Fairs, dynamic dance troupe performances, attendance from the local Cadet and Scout Groups including the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force and Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett Sea Cadets, tanks, an assault course and a lively mini concert. A celebratory tree planting event will also take place in the country park.

Local food vendors, art and crafts and charity groups such as help for Heroes, Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, NSPCC and members of the Armed Forces, will also be at the free event, with free parking available.

Cllr Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Armed Forces Day promises to be a wonderful event in Swindon, and this year will be particularly poignant with it being the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

“I look forward to meeting local people as we come together to show our support for all members of our Armed Forces community and those who sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedom. This event is a day for people to learn about and commemorate our Armed Forces, while also enjoying the festivities put on by local charities and small businesses.

“With a packed programme of events, including a commemorative tree planting, I don’t want anyone to miss out. If you are free on the 28 June, please come along.”
Anyone who would like to get involved and contribute to a memorable and meaningful event for the Swindon community should email Nav Hasan at [email protected], including ‘Swindon Armed Forces Day Committee 2025’ in the subject line.
Members of the organising committee are also keen to hear from any schools, Scouts or Brownie groups who would like to take part in the day.

Cllr Junab Ali, Swindon Borough Council’s Member Champion for the Armed Forces, said: “I am looking forward to attending the event, which is really shaping up to be a fantastic day for the whole Borough. It is really important we all show our appreciation for the sacrifices our servicemen have made and continue to make on our behalf.
“Without the work of many of our residents, this event would not be possible so I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to make it extra special. I would also like a mention of the Armed Forces Day 2025 committee for their tireless work in making this happen and the huge number of Swindon Borough Council staff that will be volunteering on the day.

"If you want to take part on the day, there is still time and the organising committee would love to hear from you.”
Maj Luke Bowdidge, B COMPANY 7 RIFLES, said: “We consider it a real privilege and a pleasure to take part in Armed Forces Day alongside the veterans, youth and community groups on such an historic commemoration for the whole country.
“We’re really grateful to the Council for stepping in and hosting the event at Lydiard Park and look forward to sharing and celebrating the sacrifices of our Armed Forces, which have given us the freedoms and values we continue to hold dear today.”