Scarborough Armed Forces Day 2026: Amazing photos as thousands enjoy RAF displays, military parades and live music

Aircraft took to the sky and marching bands performed along the seafront on Saturday as young and old from far and wide gathered under blue skies.

Hosted by North Yorkshire Council as part of its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the event was sponsored by the Skipton Building Society for the second year.

North Yorkshire Council chair, Cllr David Chance, hosted the event, which is one of the largest of its kind nationally, and the authority’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, also attended.

Cllr Chance said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day for Scarborough with thousands of people coming together and showing their support for our service personnel, cadets and veterans and recognising the sacrifices of their families.

“The atmosphere was nothing short of inspiring. From the spectacular air displays flypasts, marching bands to the parades and performances along the seafront, the whole event was a powerful reminder of the pride and gratitude our communities feel.

“We are honoured to host Armed Forces Day as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and I would like to thank everyone who took part, performed or supported the celebrations. It was a true showcase of community spirit and respect.”

Crowds enjoyed colourful parades, musical performances and family activities. There were five air displays including a high energy, highspeed performance from the RAF Typhoon and a flypast from the RAF Chinook.

On the ground there were traditional military marches, band displays, presentations and live music throughout the afternoon. Among those performing were Scarborough Sea Cadets and veterans, standards and cadets’ parades led by the Queen’s Own Yeomanry and the Yorkshire Volunteers Band.

This year’s attractions also featured a display by the Chelsea Pensioners, marking their first appearance at Scarborough Armed Forces Day.

Naval regional commander for Northern England and the Isle of Man, Commodore Thomas Knowles, was the saluting officer at Scarborough Armed Forces Day. He said: “It has been a privilege to join the celebrations in Scarborough today and to see such strong public support for our armed forces community.

“North Yorkshire plays a vital role in the defence of the nation with thousands of service personnel, their families and cadets living, working and studying across the county. Saturday’s turnout reflects the deep respect and gratitude people feel for those who have served, are serving and will be serving in the future.”

North Yorkshire has more than 12,000 people who work for the Ministry of Defence and 3,000 children from service families in schools.

The county was one of the first places in the UK to have an Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring military personnel and veterans have access to services across the private and public sectors.

The council’s Armed Forces champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, said: “Armed Forces Day is always a highlight for Scarborough, and I am pleased to say this year was another memorable event.”