Rotherham will once again unite to show its appreciation for the Armed Forces community at the annual Armed Forces Day celebration on Saturday 20 June.
Taking place in the town centre, this year’s programme will feature a military parade, followed by an inspection, acts of worship, speeches, cadet demonstrations, and an impressive military aircraft flypast.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy live performances in All Saints' Square as well as stalls and military vehicles which will be on display.
The event programme includes:
- Military Stalls and vehicles on Effingham Street from 10am to 2pm
- The Armed Forces Day Parade which will move off from College Street at 10:20am led by a marching band with military contingents, cadets and veterans
- Entertainment at All Saints' Square from 11:20am
- A Dakota flypast at 12:37pm (weather permitting).
The event offers an opportunity for the community to come together and express their appreciation to those who have served their country, while also showing support for those who continue to serve today.
The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Haroon Rashid, will use the day as an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives to war, including his grandfather, Muhammed Nur.
Originally from Kashmir, Mr Nur and 40 others from his village were recruited by the British Merchant Navy. Mr Nur served as an oil man for the Allies before he was killed in service in November 1942.
Cllr Rashid said: “On the day of the sinking, my grandfather was on his break but decided to go back into the ship to check on the crew and was hit by an air strike.
“This event is a chance for me to recognise the sacrifice that my grandfather, along with many people across the world, made for the allied forces during World War II.”
Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Gill Garnett said: “Rotherham has a long and proud tradition of standing behind its armed forces community, and I’m honoured to be part of one of the region’s largest Armed Forces celebrations.
“We’ll be coming together to pay tribute to all veterans who have served, as well as those who continue to serve today. This event is always a standout moment in Rotherham’s calendar, and I’m confident that 2026 will be no exception, with a full day of activities for all ages to enjoy.”
Visitors on the day can take advantage of free Saturday parking in all the Council’s town centre off-street car parks (excluding Forge Island, Clifton Park and Museum car parks) to visit the event, as well as enjoy shopping and leisure activities around the centre.
This event has been brought to you by Rotherham Council and our Armed Forces community.
For more a full itinerary of the day visit - www.rotherham.gov.uk/armed-forces-support/events
