Plans for Armed Forces Weekend 2026 have been revealed as Weymouth Town Council is encouraging people to save the date for its annual celebrations in June.
The Council also announced it has been awarded £4,000 by the Ministry of Defence to support the popular event which this year runs over Friday 19th, Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st, and Monday 22 June.
The grant will go towards putting on a spectacular weekend of celebrations featuring the valued armed forces community, veteran’s associations, marching bands, military vehicle displays and convoy, as well as a poignant service and parade on the Sunday.
Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Caroline Nickinson, said: “We are honoured to learn that the Ministry of Defence has awarded Weymouth’s flagship Armed Forces Weekend a generous grant of £4,000 towards this year’s event. This will be used to help Weymouth Town Council stage various celebratory events over this prestigious weekend which attracts so many residents and visitors to come out onto the streets to honour our armed forces – past, present, and future.”
Cllr Joanna Dickenson, Weymouth Town Council’s Armed Forces Liaison, added: “The town will be bustling with people who come from all over to recognise and support the incredible work that our Armed Forces personnel continue to contribute to our country. From marching bands to parades, the service and the vehicle convoys, I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone to Weymouth.”
Here’s all you need to know about the events confirmed so far:
Friday 19th June sees the return of the Armour and Embarkation convoy as the group bring their military vehicles to Weymouth. Make sure to arrive early to see them set up along the promenade from 7pm to 9pm.
Saturday 20 June, 10am to 12.30pm, Weymouth Promenade. The Dorset Military Vehicle Association will showcase their historic military vehicles alongside charity stalls and live local acts (times and acts to be announced on the website.)
A 1940s-themed summer fete takes place in Radipole Park and Gardens from 12pm to 4pmto mark the occasion. The Friends of Radipole Park and Gardens said: “During WWII not only were British troops stationed and trained here, as the American troops arrived they took over the park and its facilities on the build-up to D-Day. In honour of that we’ll have a Weymouth in WWII display.”
Sunday 22nd June, 11am The Armed Forces and Veterans Service and Parade will take place along the seafront from 11am, uniting the community in remembrance and appreciation. All ex-service association members and their standard bearers are welcome to participate in the service and parade. The parade and vehicle convoy will then head towards Weymouth Pavilion with marching band performances and historic vehicle display throughout the afternoon.
Monday 22 June, 10.30am. Weymouth Town Council will raise the Armed Forces Flag outside its offices at The New Town Hall, Commercial Road, Weymouth, DT4 8NG. All are welcome.
Updates about the weekend will be shared on the Council’s website and social media.
If you would like to take part in the service or parade for Armed Forces Weekend, please complete the following short form before Monday 1st June.
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