Armed Forces Weekend attracts record-breaking '250,000 visitors' to Cleethorpes

Peter Craig

30 June 2024 at 0:56 pm·3-min read

-Credit: (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)

Organisers have estimated that the Armed Forces event in Cleethorpes has broken all records, with hints that the national event could be held in the resort at some point in the near future.

They hailed the event a spectacular success as an estimated 250,000 visitors were expected over the weekend.

Chris Shaw, former leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and an Armed Forces champion, said: "There are more than I have ever seen before. To get back to the Knoll from The Boating Lake, I have had to go all round the houses, rather than go through the crowd."

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Armed Forces Major Events Team leader, Alex Baxter, said: "There has been something for everybody. It is outstanding."

He praised the sponsorship of renewables firm RWE, Associated British Ports and Phillips 66.

"Without their support we would not be able to put this event on. Our sole purpose is for everyone to come and say thank you to the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces in the defence of our realm and our national interest."

Sandra Hullett, Mayoress of North East Lincolnshire, Mayor Steve Beasant and Armed Forces Major Events Team leader, Alex Baxter -Credit:Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive

He said the team are always ready to host a National Armed Forces event as Cleethorpes did in 2016.

The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Steve Beasant, said: "It would be great for North East Lincolnshire to host the National Armed Forces event again. It is all about recognising our veterans. Those veterans have done so much for this country. I can't thank them enough. It would be lovely to have the national event back again."

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust lead for Armed Forces and Veterans, Simon Tighe, said: "It has been a fantastic event."

Among those taking the salute at The Knoll were Lord Lieutenant for Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis.

250,000 people were estimated to have visited Cleethorpes for the event -Credit:Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive

Market Rasen visitor David Deller praised local businesses for promoting the spectacular display. He said he had taken the train from Rasen and was pleased to see a poster detailing when all the events were taking place in Cleethorpes to mark Armed Forces Weekend, including a spectacular fireworks display at 10.30pm.

Street cleansers Bill Dawson and Andy Welsh were busy clearing refuse from Alexandra Road. Extra cleaning staff have been drafted in for the weekend spectacular.

Street cleansers Bill Dawson and Andy Welsh -Credit:Grimsby Live

North East Lincolnshire Council put the following measures in place to ensure the resort stayed as clean and tidy as possible during the huge celebrations:

Stationing a waste vehicle on Alexandra Road to cope with extra demand
A large bin vehicle parked along the Central Promenade
Two smaller vehicles working around the resort at all times
The beach being raked daily from 6am
Increasing how often they empty the bins along the seafront from North Promenade to the Fitties with all available staff in place at 6am to clear away any rubbish from the previous day
Litter picking on foot for the duration of the event

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