Littlehampton Town Council is proud to announce that this year's Armed Forces, Families and Veterans Day will return to the Seafront Green on Saturday 27 June 2026, running from 10:30 to 17:00.

Delivered in partnership with Harbour Park and the Kingston and East Preston Royal British Legion, the event is free to attend and open to all. Now firmly established as the biggest Armed Forces Day celebration on the South Coast, this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever, honouring those who serve, the veterans who have given so much, and the families who stand alongside them.

The day begins at 10:30 with the Parade, mustering at East Beach Cafe, led by the Cadets Massed Band and supported by local uniformed groups including the Army Cadets, Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, Scouts and the Nautical Training Corps. Veterans are warmly invited to participate in the parade. The parade will be followed by a Drumhead Service and the Mayor's welcome address.

This year's live entertainment programme is packed from noon through to the close of play. Stuntworld International return for two performances while the Tigers Motorcycle Display Team will be making their Littlehampton debut and music will come in the form of the Rose and Thistle Pipe Band and The Vintage Trio.

Military history takes centre stage with a dramatic Armoured Vehicle Display. Static exhibits include a BARV (Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle), replica Spitfire and Hurricane, and a Flying Flea, all part of an immersive landscape of military displays spanning the event site.

New for 2026, Historic Workshops will bring history to life through live reenactments, demonstrations and a VR Headset experience, giving visitors of all ages a hands-on encounter with military history. The Army Cadets KITCAR Display returns, as does the Littlehampton Museum tent, offering wartime exhibits and heritage activities throughout the day.

The afternoon builds to a powerful close with a BBMF Spitfire Flypast, followed by the Sunset Service and the All-Clear Siren.

Service charities and uniformed groups will be present throughout the day with information stalls and fundraising activities with the event’s official charity being the Royal British Legion.

Street food vendors on site will include Crocus Paella, Nita's Thai Food, RK’s Taste of Jamaica and Scouts refreshments. Harbour Park will be open all day and is offering a Service Family discount. Visit www.harbourpark.com for details.

Speaking ahead of the event, Chair of the Community Resources Committee, Councillor Freddie Tandy, said: "We renamed this much-loved event to ensure that visitors understand it is a day for the whole family. Armed Forces, Families and Veterans Day is one of the highlights of the town’s calendar of events and this year we have introduced many more educational and interactive displays so visitors can experience the day in different ways. This day belongs to those who serve, the veterans who have given so much, and the families who support them every day, and it is a privilege to celebrate all of them together on our seafront.”

For more information, the full programme and parade orders, visit www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk

Veterans wishing to march in the parade, or military vehicle owners wishing to display by prior arrangement, should contact events@littlehampton-tc.gov.uk