Armed Forces events and news
Armed Forces Day 2024
Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June, falling this year on 29 June.
It is a chance to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.
We are delighted that Bromyard and Winslow Town Council will be hosting the event on behalf of Herefordshire, as well as putting on a series of week-long events running from Monday 24 June through to the big day itself on Saturday 29 June.
Monday 24 June
We will be showing our appreciation at the start of Armed Forces week in a series of flag-raising events taking place across the county during the morning of Monday 24 June.
- Hereford: High Town and at the County Hospital
- Bromyard
- Leominster
- Ross-on-Wye
- Ledbury
Tuesday 25 June, 7pm
A history of military music. Colin Hales, former Army Bandmaster will talk about how military music has developed from its earliest functions to the modern era.
Conquest Theatre, Bromyard.
Wednesday 26 June, 7pm
A History Society talk by Peter Weston on Lance Cpl Allen Leonard Lewis VC who was born in Herefordshire and the recipient of the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the First World War.
Conquest Theatre, Bromyard.
Thursday 27 June, 7pm
Two military talks by Andy Taylor and Peter Stoddart. A short history of British Army communications and Bromyard's connection to the Military.
Friday 28 June, 7pm
Film screening of The Great Escaper
Conquest Theatre, Bromyard.
Saturday 29 June, from 12 noon onwards
Armed Forces Day 2024, hosted by Bromyard. A fantastic family day out with a military parade through the town, decorated shops and cafes, music and entertainment, flag-waving, stalls and military vehicles.
- 12 noon: parade begins from Tenbury Street car park through the town
- 12.30 pm: St Peter's Church Service
- 1 pm: Parade back through the town to the Town Green
- 1 pm onwards: activities, entertainment and food on the Town Green and military vehicle display in Market Square
Additional parking available at Micron, Bromyard Industrial Estate, HR7 4HS.
Road closures
Between 11.45am to 2pm:
- Tenbury Road / Cuxwell Street / Rowberry Street / High Street / Broad Street / Church Street
Between 7am to 4.30pm:
- Twyning Street and Market Square
D-Day 80 events across Herefordshire
On 5 and 6 June 2024, a series of major commemorations in the UK and France will honour the brave personnel who risked their lives for freedom and peace. As well as the national events many villages, towns and cities will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day by lighting a beacon at on 6 June 2024, in celebration of the 'light of peace' followed by an event to commemorate one of the most momentous achievements in living memory.
In Herefordshire, members of the Royal British Legion will join forces with towns and parishes to honour the Normandy landings 80 years ago.
Ross-on-Wye
The commemorative events will be held on the evening of Thursday 6 June 2024. The evening will commence in St Mary's Church, Ross-on-Wye at 8.15 pm with a short multimedia presentation, "The D-Day Story" told in video, pictures, music and poetry. The event will be attended by His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Mr Edward Harley CBE and Mrs Harley and at least two D-Day Veterans, Mr Stanley Wilson and Mr Peter Harkness. The event is free and open to the public, who are asked to be seated by 8.05pm. The event is scheduled to last for 35 minutes and will be followed shortly afterwards by the Lighting of the Town Beacon on 'The Prospect' by the Lord Lieutenant at 9.15pm. Everyone is invited to this very special occasion.
Leominster
D-Day 80 Commemoration Service, lighting a beacon to celebrate the 'light of peace' that emerged out of the darkness of war. Leominster Priory, Thursday 6 June at 6.30 pm.
Ledbury
Service of Commemoration taking place on Sunday 2 June 2024 at 10am in St Michael and All Angels' Church. There will be a small exhibition created by Ledbury Royal British Legion to honour the soldiers from Ledbury who fought during the Normandy Landings in 1944. This exhibition will be on display for one week including Ledbury Community Day in St Michael and All Angels' Church.
On Thursday 6 June 2024 at 6.30pm there will be an Act of Remembrance at the Ledbury War Memorial.
Eardisley
The Eardisley and District Branch of the Royal British Legion will host an Act of Remembrance to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Everyone is invited to join them for a brief service at the War Memorial, St Mary Magdalene Church, Eardisley, at 5pm on Thursday 6 June 2024, to honour those who gave their lives and youth for freedom from tyranny.
Bishop's Frome
D-Day 80 beacon lighting on Ward Hill, Thursday 6 June from 5pm. An evening programme including fireworks, games and races. Bar, food stalls and music. D-Day 80 commemoration and lighting of the beacon at 9pm.
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Please let us know about any planned events at hafc@herefordshire.gov.uk
Herefordshire Armed Forces Bulletin
Every few months we feature news and reviews showcasing our Armed Forces Community in Herefordshire, together with dates for your diary and a selection of local / national insights.