Guide to Cleethorpes Armed Forces Day 2025
BBCThousands of people are expected to attend this year's Cleethorpes Armed Forces Day and weekend.
The free, three-day event, organised by a group of volunteers, has been held in the resort since 2011.
Along with a Red Arrows display, the event is known for its parades featuring veterans, cadets and personnel from across all three services, as well as music, including from the Grimsby & Clee Pipe Band.
There will be displays by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and fireworks, although a planned Typhoon display will not take place, which the RAF said was "due to circumstances beyond our control".
What is Armed Forces Day?
This year's event in Cleethorpes has been named as the national armed forces event – meaning it is a focal point for national celebrations.
The event includes a full programme of activities including parades, entertainment, flying displays and demonstrations.
It was organised by a group of volunteers to promote the work of serving military, reservists, veterans, cadets and their families.
Jake Zuckerman/BBCWhen is the event happening?
The three-day event will take place from Friday (27 June) with a community carnival. The main parade, aerial flypasts and events will be held across Saturday and Sunday.
How do I get there?
Park and Ride
Buses will be in place this year which will drop off at the Cleethorpes Memorial Hall.
They will leave from the existing stops on the main roads from Grimsby Institute and Origin Way every 15 minutes at peak times.
They will be in operation from 16:00 BST on Friday to close on Sunday.
It will cost £1.50 for a single journey fare and £8 for a group ticket of up to five people.
Shuttle bus
This will go between Cleethorpes Leisure Centre and Meridian Showground, provided by vintage buses.
The service will run from 12:00 to 17:00 on Friday, 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 on Saturday, and 10:00 to 18:00 on Sunday.
Road closures
The roads listed below will be fully closed over the duration of the Armed Forces weekend apart from emergency vehicle access and business loading.
- Alexandra Road /High Cliff Road between the junction with Yarra Road and the junction with Brighton Street
- Seaview Street – Alexandra Road to Cambridge Street (including New Road)
- Knoll Street between the junction of Cambridge Street and the junction with Alexandra Road
- There will be no traffic exit from Humber Street or North Street to High Cliff Road for the weekend
Organisers said there will also be several specific day closures to allow for set up and operation.
Timetable of events
Friday, 27 June
- 12:00: Markets and activities open across the whole resort and Meridian Showground opens until 17:00
- 18:00: Carnival parade will start from the top of Grant Street and then go through Alexandra Road and Kings Parade, ending at Leisure Centre
- Entertainment at Remembrance gate
Saturday, 28 June
- 10:00: Events start and area opens, community stage opens.
- 10:30: Meridian Showground opens, closes 18:00
- 11:00: Vehicle and motorcycle parade starts from the top of Grant Street
- 11:30: Military parade starts from the top of Grant Street and then will go through Alexandra Road and Kings Parade, ending at Brighton Slipway.
- 12:30: Red Arrows display
- 13:00 - 15:50: Community stage area music continues, including the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Pipe Band at 17:55
- 15:00: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight display
- 17:25 - 18:10: Community Stage area with military bands performing and the Sunset Ceremony
- 18:15 - 22:30: Armed Forces "thank you" concert with entertainment on community stage
- 22:25: firework display
Sunday, 29 June
- 10:30: Events start and area opens, including Meridian Park
- 15:00 - 16:30: Flying displays, including Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
- Event closes in all areas at 5pm
The timetable of events may be subject to change.
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