Community groups across Rushcliffe are being urged to apply for funding to host an Armed Forces Day event this summer following the announcement of a £500,000 nationwide grant scheme.
The funding from central government aims to support communities who want to celebrate and recognise the dedication and sacrifices of service personnel, veterans and their families. Local authorities, schools, charities, sports clubs and other community organisations are invited to bid for grants up to £10,000 per gathering to deliver events in their area, with applications closing on 30th March 2026. Armed Forces Day itself will take place on Saturday 27th June.
Local groups can find more information at: https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved/organise-your-own-event/apply-for-funding/
Following the announcement, James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, said: “Rushcliffe is rightly proud of the armed forces community. I’m pleased that the government is providing funding for vital community events, and look forward to celebrating alongside our service personnel and almost 4,000 veterans across Rushcliffe in June.”
The announcement comes as part of a broader commitment by the government to renew the nation’s relationship with those who serve. Measures to-date include a Strategic Defence Review; a £9 billion programme to repair and modernise forces’ housing including 2,596 homes in the East Midlands; the largest pay rise for armed forces personnel in two decades; extended support through the Armed Forces Covenant; and the implementation of a landmark veterans’ strategy.
Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the importance of community support, stating: “Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe, but they can’t do what they do without the support of families, friends and communities across the country. This funding will help make this year’s Armed Forces Day the best yet.”
Community groups wishing to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Rushcliffe are encouraged to submit their applications for funding as soon as possible and to register their events so they are eligible for government support.
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Notes to editors
- This Armed Forces Day (27 June) is about celebrating and thanking our Armed Forces who are doing a brilliant job keeping the UK secure at home, and strong abroad. It also marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning on Monday 22 June.
- It is the second Armed Forces Day national event to take place since Labour reinstated it; it was halted by the Tories in 2023.
- The government is distributing £500,000 worth of grants to supercharge the nation’s Armed Forces Day events, with up to £10,000 available for each event.
- Armed Forces Day events bring huge opportunity to our local communities. They attract tourism and inward investment, while showcasing the unique careers, job security and development opportunities that the British military can offer.
- An Armed Forces Day event might include a community picnic or barbecue, musical performances, parades, stands run by local military units and veterans charities, hands-on experiences and talks by inspiring service personnel. Military bands can also be booked.
