An estimated 6,000 visitors turned out on Saturday 27 June to celebrate Littlehampton's Armed Forces, Families and Veterans Day on the Seafront Green, in what proved to be another successful event organised by Littlehampton Town Council in partnership with Harbour Park and the East Preston and Kingston Royal British Legion.

This year's programme introduced several new additions alongside returning favourites, offering visitors a full day of entertainment, military history and community celebration.

The Tigers Motorcycle Display Team delivered two captivating performances in the arena, joining Stuntworld International who returned for two further displays of vehicle stunts and high-speed motorcycle action. The Rose and Thistle Pipe Band performed throughout the day, and The Vintage Trio entertained visitors with classic wartime songs among the static military displays.

New for 2026, Historic Workshops brought military history to life through live reenactments, hands-on demonstrations and a VR Headset experience, which proved popular with visitors of all ages. Littlehampton Museum returned with wartime exhibits and heritage activities, offering families the chance to discover the town's own connection to military history.

The Armoured Vehicle Display drew crowds to the arena, while static exhibits including a BARV (Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle), replica Spitfire and Hurricane, and a Flying Flea gave military enthusiasts the opportunity to get up close to an impressive collection of vehicles and aircraft. The Army Cadets KITCAR Display and a wide range of military vehicles added further to the display on the Seafront Green.

This year's highlights included two flypasts: an Airbus A400M (the Royal Air Force’s tactical airlift that can carry a payload of 30 tonnes and land on unprepared strips) and a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane with the aircraft being the last to ever be built. 

The day drew to a close with a Sunset Service and the sound of the All-Clear Siren, bringing together veterans, serving personnel, families and the wider community in a fitting end to the day.

Speaking after the event, Chair of the Community Resources Committee, Councillor Freddie Tandy, said: " I think this year is our best one yet. The combination of our dedicated uniformed groups, wartime memorabilia, military vehicles, hands-on demonstrations and VR workshops created something for everyone, and you could really feel that across generations. We are grateful to our partners at Harbour Park and the East Preston and Kingston Royal British Legion, and to all the community groups and volunteers who gave their time to make this day happen."

Littlehampton Town Council has a full summer of events ahead. Visit www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk for details.