Armed Forces Day 2022 events in Birmingham: activities taking place - and why it's celebrated

Armed Forces Day 2022 takes place this weekend, with dozens of events planned around the country to mark the occasion.

There are several events taking place around Birmingham, each focusing on the importance of the day.

Here’s what you need to know about the events taking place in Birmingham, and also the origins of the day.

What is Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday in June every year and is a day for the public to give thanks to and recognise the efforts of the UK’s Armed Forces.

A spokesperson for The Armed Forces Day organisers said: “Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much valued morale boost for the troops and their families.”

Which events are taking place in Birmingham?

Windrush & Caribbean Armed Forces Day

Soho Ave, Birmingham B18 5LB, UK

Telephone: 07721583321

Email: [email protected]

This event will take place on Saturday, 1 July.

A spokesperson for the event said: “This unique event presents an opportunity to pay tribute to Caribbean service personnel and veterans.

“The Caribbean has a strong link to the British military dating back over 400 years. The event will consist of Current serving and Ex service veterans from all branches of the services and will include films, music, storytelling plus a small static parade of West Indian veterans. The event is open to all communities to attend including families, young people, cadets.”

Armed Forces Day at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7XG, UK

Telephone 07862 341 503

Email [email protected]

Birmingham Museums Trust is once again offering free entry to all members of the Armed Forces community this Armed Forces Day.

A spokesperson for the event gave details on what visitors can expect from the 2022 event.

They said: “This year in honour of our Volunteering for Veterans program we will be setting up activities across Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum to celebrate the display of a Cyclone Motorbike, which showcases the incredible conservation work the group did and the display they created.

“Activities include a ‘Meet the Expert’, find out more about how our Veterans conserved and researched the project and what they’re working on next! Science experiments and object handling all following a STEM theme.

“Free reign of our Imagination Playground, a huge set of foam pieces which allows free play and construction for kids. Along with four floors of permanent displays of science and industry.”

Weoley Castle Birmingham Armed Forces Day

Weoley Castle Inn, Somerford Rd, Birmingham B29 5LX, UK

Telephone 07715606126

Email [email protected]

A spokesperson for the event said: “There will be a Form Up Parade on Weoley Castle Square at 1.00pm (approx.)

“This will include Veteran Associations, Reservists, Cadets, Regimental Standard Bearers and Association Standard Bearers.

“At approximately 1.30pm the Parade will March down Somerford Road to the Weoley Castle Public House and Form Up on the Car Park for a Parade and be addressed by the Lord Mayor and Local Councillors.”

They added: “Rev Fiona Harrison Smith will perform the Act of Remembrance,

followed By The Last Post, 2 Minute Silence and Reveille.”

There will also be entertainment provided throughout the day, including a bouncy castle, face painting, children’s rides, military memorabilia, disco, karaoke, hot food van and an ice cream van.

Association Stands and more Entertainment TBC.