Red Arrows will soar at Portsmouth Armed Forces Day

Watch the Red Arrows soar as part of the huge, free Portsmouth Armed Forces Day event taking place on Southsea Common on Saturday 8 June.

This year's Armed Forces Day is being held at the end of a week of D-Day commemorations which starts in Portsmouth on Wednesday 5 June, to give everyone the opportunity to come together and celebrate our armed forces community.

It's organised by Portsmouth City Council and is open to everyone and free of charge.

A full Red Arrows display across the Solent is part of a packed Armed Forces Day. 

There's a Royal Navy parachute jump, military parades and vehicles, and live music throughout the day.

Funfair rides will be available to purchase, and a free climbing wall, laser tag and obstacle course will help keep children and adults entertained. Children can enjoy free arts and create poppies for the veterans' Remembrance Day lunch in November.

Portsmouth City Council leader cllr Steve Pitt said:

"Portsmouth Armed Forces Day is one of the biggest and best-loved events of the year, and with it being held on the Saturday after the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, it's even more significant this year.

"We're so excited to have a full Red Arrows display along with a packed line up. Thousands are expected to turn out so please come along to celebrate our incredible armed forces community and help make this the best Portsmouth Armed Forces Day yet."

No tickets are needed, people and families can just turn up and enjoy the day, which runs from 10am-4pm.

BAE Systems is the headline sponsor this year, allowing the city council to provide even more action and excitement and run the event for free.

Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime Services, said:

“We are incredibly proud to be able to support Portsmouth’s 2024 Armed Forces Day.

“The celebrations will provide a great opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution of our Armed Forces community and to show our support to those in service, veterans and their families.”

World of Warships, the world leading naval battle MMO is also providing sponsorship to the event and will have a photobooth and host different panels discussions. Game stations for adults and children old enough to play the video game with a special D-Day game mode will also be there.

Please note that no drones will be permitted to fly during the Red Arrows display, over the common or within the Solent.