Armed Forces events and news
Armed Forces events 2025
VE Day 80th Anniversary
8 May 2025 marks the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with communities coming together across the world to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe that so many millions paid the ultimate sacrifice to achieve.
Herefordshire will be celebrating and commemorating this important moment in our living history by hosting a range of events in the city, market towns and parishes. The best place to search for an event in your area is to visit the main VE 80 website at VE Day 80 - Join the party in a shared moment of celebration!
On Thursday 8 May at 11am there will be a wreath laying at St Peters Square, Hereford, followed by a special service at Hereford Cathedral at 5.30pm.
Operation Blackout 80
Saturday 17 May, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, The Assembly Room, Hereford Town Hall
Operation Blackout was the last operation of World War 2 in north west Europe. This exciting and fascinating evening will tell the story of this landmark moment and the part the Herefordshire Regiment played in its success. For more details about the event please visit the Herefordshire Light Infantry Museum website.
Armed Forces Week 2025
Monday 23 to Saturday 28 June
- Monday 23 June: Armed Forces Flag-raising in Hereford and Market Towns at 11am
- Saturday 28 June: Hereford hosts Herefordshire Armed Forces Day at the Old Market Shopping Centre
80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan)
Friday 15 August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War. At 11am wreaths will be laid in St Peters Square.
Hereford Military History Festival
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 September
Hereford has been a garrison town for 2,000 years. From the Romans, the Mercians and the Normans through the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War, it has played an extraordinary role in Britain’s military history. Today, it is the home for the SAS.
This inaugural annual festival will explore global military history with some of the world’s best-known military historians and speakers. To find out more visit Home - Hereford Military History Festival.
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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.