In a poignant year that marks the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ), Armed Forces Day 2025 will be held at The Historic Dockyard Chatham on Saturday 28 June.
Hosted in partnership between Medway Council and the Historic Dockyard Chatham, this annual event is an opportunity to show support for all those who have served in the Armed Forces, including current personnel, their families, cadets, and veterans.
Free tickets will be made available, with releases staggered to prioritise veterans and service families. Veterans can pre-register online or visit their local library for assistance.
Registration for veterans opens on Tuesday 1 April, with tickets being released on Tuesday 6 May. Public tickets go on general release on Tuesday 27 May.
The event begins at 10am, with a packed programme of military parades, displays, bands and family activities, all of which celebrate the bravery of those who have answered the call of duty.
Visitors can also enjoy special Dockyard experiences, including Air Raid Tours (additional charges apply) and access to the historic warship, HMS GANNET. The Heritage Railway will also be in operation, with locomotive movements throughout the day.
A highlight of the event will be a formal parade, followed by a Drum Head service at 12.30, and the Beating Retreat finale at 4.30pm.
Admiral Sir Trevor Soar OBE KCB DL, Chairman, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said: “We are privileged to be working with Medway Council to host Armed Forces Day at the Historic Dockyard once again. This year we will commemorate 80 years since the end of the Second World War and also honour the dedication of our serving Armed Forces. The Historic Dockyard provides the perfect setting for the event and stands as an ongoing reminder of courage and sacrifices made by those who have served. We extend a warm invitation to all, especially our veterans, to join us for this special occasion."
Cllr Nina Gurung, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “Medway proudly hosted the first Armed Forces Day in 2009. Armed Forces Day in Medway is particularly special due to our rich maritime and military history going back hundreds of years. On this day, we come together as a community to pay tribute to the valour and sacrifices of our Armed Forces past and present. 2025 is an extra special year as we celebrate 80 years since the end of World War II, and it is therefore fitting that it will be held again at the special venue, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as it provides a poignant and hugely symbolic connection to our proud naval history and the Armed Forces.
"I would like to encourage all our veterans to register for early tickets as we would want them to be at the heart of the celebrations. I would also like to extend a warm invite to everyone in Medway so that together, we can create a truly memorable experience with the unique blend of commemoration with community reflection, solidarity and festivity. Finally, I wish to thank everyone who has been involved in making the day possible.”
For more information visit and details on how to register visit thedockyard.co.uk/AFD