About

Portsmouth's Armed Forces Day returns in 2025, with displays and events on Southsea Common taking place on Saturday 21 June.

Arguably the highlight of the day will be the moment a Spitfire takes to the sky for a full display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team.

Other activities and displays will include a Royal Navy 'Raiders' parachute jump, live performances, and parades. The main arena hosts the full military parade led by the Rose and Thistle Pipe Band, and will also offer dog shows and a dedicated bike arena with BMX tricks and jumps in the afternoon.

The 6 Regiment Army Air Corps Reserves will bring a static Gazelle helicopter and there will be a tactical wing supply from Joint Helicopter Group. Visitors can explore more at the Field Gun Arena, or enjoy the music stage offering live shows from local acts through the day.

As well as all this there will be displays and stalls from veterans, charities and military organisations.

Portsmouth City Council organises this free annual event to let Portsmouth residents and visitors come together to honour current and former members of our armed forces.

No tickets are needed - just turn up and enjoy the event.

Programme

Main Arena:
10:15 – Rose & Thistle Pipes Drums
11:00 – Armed Forces Parade
12:00 – Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Display
13:00 – ICTS Dog Display
13:45 – HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band Display
14:45 – ICTS Dog Display
15:30 – Field Gun Awards
16:00 – Battle of Britian Memorial Flight

Field Gun Arena:
There will be displays and have a go sessions throughout the day including:
Schools Field Gun Competitions
Cadets Field Gun Competition
Field Gun Sport

RPM Displays
Timings: 10:30, 12:30, 14:15, 15:30

Live at the Bandstand Stage:
Petty Criminals
Soul Suspects
Mojo Dollar
Tesoro
Sea of Quay Voices

Sponsors

BAE Systems is the headline sponsor for Portsmouth Armed Forces Day, enabling this incredible programme for the whole of Portsmouth to enjoy. Snows BMW & MINI Portsmouth has joined as supporting sponsor. The support of these organisations allows Portsmouth to make the event bigger and better, whilst ensuring it remains totally free to attend.

For more information about the event, including access and travel details, read our Armed Forces Day blog.

Primary photo credit - Solent Sky Services

Spitfire image: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight by Gary Eason