Stockport to celebrate Armed Forces Day with parades, live entertainment, and family activities

Stockport's special celebration for Armed Forces Day is set to take place on Saturday 29 June. A day filled with full of activities including a parade will see residents will come together to give recognition and thanks to those who have served and continue to do so in the military.

Organised by Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO), the event will be spotlighted by a parade that will begin at St Peters Square at 10:45am and finish in the Market Place. Veterans and serving armed forces personnel are encouraged to attend and join, full dress code is not required, but can be worn if preferred.

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The procession set up by SAFCO has also been sponsored by a number of local businesses and organisations including Totally Stockport, the town’s Business Improvement District.

The Parade salute will be taken by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Mr Gerry Yeung OBE. And from 11am (following the parade) until 4pm, there will be lots of free family friendly activities taking place in and around the town centre for everyone to enjoy.

These include Strawberry Radio stage in Market Place with live entertainment throughout the day culminating in the National Anthem led by Stockport Schools Brass Band at 4pm plus over 40 displays and replica military exhibitions and a trail around the Market Hall with a reward for all those who complete it.

Merseyway is also joining in the celebrations, they’ll be hosting a large replica spitfire with children’s crafting sessions and vocal harmony group Diamond will be performing at 11.00am 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

The Air Raid Shelters and Stockport Museum will also be open and at the museum children can design their very own medal for someone special, it’s free and no need to book in advance.

At this years event a new exciting QR trail is being launched. Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy have worked with the Digiknow team and Stockport Council to set up a WW2 QR Trail around Stockport for Families and a QR Quest for Young People between 11 and 15. Taking between one and two hours to complete, the trails use What3Words as location references with families having to answer quiz questions at each location. Anyone interested in doing the trail should visit Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy Stall in the Market Place.

Amanda Peers, chair of SAFCO, said: “In 2023, Stockport showed its recognition of our Armed Forces Community, and I’m delighted that we are able to hold the event once again this year.

“We have even more events going on this year and it will be fantastic opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the valuable contribution and huge sacrifices made by those who serve our country.

“We are all grateful to Stockport Council and partners for their support and also to local businesses and organisations for making this happen through sponsoring the event – I’m sure it will once again be a great day for the whole of Stockport to celebrate.”

Vicki Bates, assistant director of Legal and Democratic Governance and Senior Responsible Officer for delivery and support of the Armed Forces Covenant at Stockport Council, said: “Last year’s Armed Forces Day was a fantastic event, and we hope that everyone heads down on June 29 to show how all of our communities can come together and celebrate the contributions of our Armed Forces in Stockport and beyond.

“Stockport is once again proud to recognise the achievements of our ex-service personnel and serving armed forces. Armed Forces Day gives us all a chance to thank them all and show our appreciation for what they do.”