The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Scarborough will host the prestigious Armed Forces Day National Event in 2021

Scarborough was due to host this year’s national event from 26 to 28 June, but like many other major events, it was postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

We have now been informed that the 2020 event will not go ahead later in the year. Scarborough’s right to host the event will instead move to the weekend of 25 to 27 June 2021.

We welcome the news and as soon as practicable, we will resume our planning for the event with the Ministry of Defence, other key partners and sponsors.

The national event attracts around 200,000 visitors of all ages during the course of the weekend. It boasts an action packed event programme, including spectacular air and ground displays and an extensive military parade. Previous national events have attracted people from across the country and beyond, including VIP guests such as members of the Royal family and prime ministers.

The spectacular Red Arrows had already been confirmed as the headline air display for the 2020 event. We will look to secure the crowd pulling display team for next year.

Cllr Tony Randerson, cabinet member with responsibility for the delivery of the event said:

“We are disappointed that this year’s event will not go ahead, but everyone involved in the planning and organising of the weekend fully understands the seriousness of the situation our country is currently facing and the changes we must make to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“We’re delighted for the opportunity to host the 2021 event instead. As soon as the current situation allows us to, we will get back to planning a spectacular event to make Scarborough and our nation proud.

“Very clearly, we will be looking for financial support from sponsors and the government, given the expected state of public finances next year, and will commence talks on these issues as soon as practicable.”

In the absence of this year’s physical event, we are encouraging our communities to show their support for the Armed Forces from their homes on Saturday 27 June.

Cllr Tony Randerson added:

“The outstanding efforts of Captain Tom Moore in support of the NHS showed us that, even in the most difficult of circumstances, anything is possible. So we’re asking you to use your imagination and come up with different ways to celebrate the contribution of our Armed Forces, while still maintaining social distancing.

“The national website armedforcesday.org.uk is a great source of information and you can also be part of the virtual celebrations by sharing content on social media.”