Armed Forces Day events in Kent 2019 including Folkestone's Red Arrows display

Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday (June 29).

But there are events, parades, displays and activities taking place across the county on both Saturday and Sunday to show support for the armed forces community.

We round up the biggest and best family-friendly events you could take the kids along to this weekend...

Medway's event in 2018
Medway's event in 2018

Gillingham

Saturday, June 29

Great Lines Heritage Park is hosting this year's Medway celebration between 11am and 5pm.

The free family event, in conjunction with the Royal Military School of Engineering, will include the chance to drive-a-digger, try a military obstacle course and other have-a-go activities. There will also be arena displays, a military parade, lots of live music and a fun fair.

There is no on-site parking at the event but a park and ride scheme will be running from The Historic Dockyard at £1 return with under 16s going free. To learn more click here.

Lots of events will include live music and military bands
Lots of events will include live music and military bands

Headcorn

Saturday, June 29

Headcorn Aerodrome is holding its own free National Armed Forces Day event from 10am until 4pm on Saturday.

Visitors will get the chance to ride in a tank, see iconic Second World War aircraft, watch displays and meet cadets, service personnel and veterans. There is free parking available.

To learn more click here.

Canterbury
Saturday, June 29

There will be a barbecue at The Golden Lion pub in Broad Oak organised by the Canterbury Royal Marines Association. With free entry, sausages and burgers will be sizzling from midday to 7pm, while a Sea Cadet band play.

The cadets will also run plenty of activities to keep kids busy, as well as drill displays.

Sittingbourne

Saturday, June 29

The High Street will be marking Armed Forces Day with a family fun day. It begins with a parade from St Michael's Church at 10.45am towards the war memorial where 25 white doves are set to be released. The parade will include reserve forces, the Royal British Legion, veterans, cadets, scouts, guides and brownies. The town's fun day will then be officially opened at 11am and continue until 4pm. Learn more here.

Armed Forces Day events are taking place on both Saturday and Sunday
Armed Forces Day events are taking place on both Saturday and Sunday

Swanley

Saturday, June 29

Swanley Recreation Ground has a parachute display team, vintage vehicles, children's rides, penalty shoot out competitions, food and drink stalls and more at its free event. It takes place between 11am and 4pm in St Mary's Road.

Isle of Sheppey

Saturday, June 29

Shurland Dale Holiday Park will be recreating life on the home front with its 40s themed event. There will be vintage hair stylists, old school party games, dances and ration pack menus.

There will also be a 1940s classic car once sat in by the Queen. The event runs from noon to midnight.

Ramsgate

Saturday, June 29

There will be a parade around Ramsgate's harbour to mark Armed Forces Day. It will leave at 12.30pm from Sailor's Church. Additional detail .

The Red Arrows
The Red Arrows

Folkestone

Sunday, June 30

A display by the Red Arrows is set to make Folkestone's Armed Forces Community Fun Day one of the most popular events. The display will last 20 minutes and is part of an entire programme of entertainment. The event is expected to attract thousands of people and will include air displays, stalls, vehicles, live music, shows in a main arena, stalls, food and refreshments. For more information about Sunday's event, please click here.


Ashford

Sunday, June 30

Victoria Park is hosting Ashford's event on Sunday between 11am and 5pm. There will be live music, displays, games and refreshments. You can find the park in Jemmett Road in Ashford.

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