Weymouth Armed Forces Weekend 2024

Our Armed Forces and Veterans have made and continue to make a significant contribution to our nation and the Weymouth event continues to honour, celebrate and provide a focus on the tireless work carried out by all veteran’s associations, individuals and today’s military forces.

Here’s all you need to know about what to expect.

Friday 21st June,
Jubilee Clock from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
An addition to this year’s event, Armour and Embarkation military vehicle group kickstart the weekend with a fantastic convoy of WWII military vehicles which will park up on the promenade at the Jubilee Clock on Weymouth’s iconic seafront. Come and view the vehicles, take photos, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the experience of having many WWII vehicles in one location.

Saturday 22nd June,
Pavilion Forecourt from 10am to 2.30pm. Saturday sees the arrival of the Dorset Military Vehicle Association who will parade their historic military vehicles on the Pavilion Forecourt. Come along and watch the historic vehicles leave the forecourt at 12.30pm and give them a cheer as they parade along the Esplanade. There will also be various charity and awareness stalls set up on the Esplanade throughout the day.

Bands play on the Pavilion forecourt at the following times:

10.30am – The Decadettes

11am – South Wales Police Band

11.30am – The Decadettes

12pm – South Wales Police Band

2pm – South Wales Police Band

Sunday 23rd June,
Service for veterans at the Cenotaph, 11am, Weymouth seafront, opposite the prince regent Hotel. An open-air service for veterans takes place at the Cenotaph, followed by a parade along the seafront with marching bands and military vehicles.

Throughout the afternoon, there will be entertainment including marching band performances, the display of historic vehicles along the seafront including some on the beach opposite Alexandra Gardens.

Bands play on the Pavilion forecourt at the following times:

1.30pm – South West Area Sea Cadet Band

2pm – Wessex Military Band

2.30pm – Decadettes

3pm – Dolphin Marching Band

Monday 24th June,
At 10.30am, the Armed Forces Weekend concludes with a flag raising ceremony held outside Weymouth Town Council’s offices, the New Town Hall, Commercial Road.

Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell, said: “From honouring our veterans to recognising the work of our serving armed forces personnel, Weymouth Town Council is organising a host of events over Armed Forces Weekend which this year starts on Friday 21st June.

“Hot on the heels of the commemorations for D-Day 80, join us as we pay our respect to the resilience of our Armed Forces communities. We’ll have military
vehicle convoys and displays, a service and parade, along with music and entertainment from the era to entertain the whole family at this prestigious event.”

Cllr Joanna Dickenson, whose son is currently serving on a submarine in the Royal Navy, added: “Having recently taken on the role of Armed Forces Covenant Champion at the Council, I am honoured to be attending the service at the Cenotaph on Sunday as part of Armed Forces Weekend.”

Road closures in place for the event

On Sunday 23rd June between 10am and 1pm there will be temporary road closures in place as part of the event. Please see Dorset Council road closure notice for full details.

Please note, Sunday’s parade does not conclude until the last military vehicle in the convoy has passed. Members of the public are asked not to cross the road until the convoy passes.

Parking for participants – free parking is available for participants at Lodmoor car park and the rear Pavilion car park a shuttle bus for veterans will operate from 12.30 pm to 4pm between Lodmoor car park and the Pavilion.

If you or a member of your association would like to take part in the Service and Parade, please complete the Parade Participation Form on Weymouth Town Council website . Once registered you will receive full details regarding forming up, Service and Parade details.

Weymouth’s Armed Forces Celebrations 2023 are organised by  Weymouth Town Council for latest updates visit their website.