Overview

• Central roads were closed and anti-ram barriers, explosive detection dogs and anti-terror protocols supported what organisers described as the strictest security measures yet.
• For the first time park-and-ride services linked to Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Habrough stations, bolstered by 52 extra TransPennine Express trains, to ease crowd movement.
• The weekend’s programme ranged from carnival parades and community concerts to Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts and a fireworks finale.
• Defence Secretary John Healey used the national stage to pledge £1.5 billion for forces family housing, a two-decade record pay rise for service personnel and statutory status for the Armed Forces Covenant.
• The Ministry of Defence will invite bids on July 1 for the 2026 national Armed Forces Day host, offering up to £50,000 in funding and official support including air displays.