Scarborough prepares for huge Armed Forces Day event as thousands expected to attend

Here is the full line-up of events at this year’s Scarborough Armed Forces Day, which takes place this Saturday (June 27).

Thousands of people are expected to visit the town to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

This year’s Armed Forces Day will begin at 11am and run until 5pm. Photo from last year's event by James Hardistyplaceholder image
This year’s Armed Forces Day will begin at 11am and run until 5pm. Photo from last year's event by James Hardisty

This year’s Armed Forces Day will begin at 11am and run until 5pm, with flypasts, marching bands, cadet displays and a large veterans’ parade.

Those planning their visit can explore military air displays, which form an integral part of the day’s event. This year, there will be six displays including a high-energy, high-speed performance from the RAF Typhoon and a flypast from the RAF Chinook.

One of Britain’s most iconic aircraft – the RAF Supermarine Spitfire – returns to Scarborough’s skies. Photo credit: Darren Harbar.placeholder image
One of Britain’s most iconic aircraft – the RAF Supermarine Spitfire – returns to Scarborough’s skies. Photo credit: Darren Harbar.

The timings are as follows:

• 11.30am: RAF Chinook will be doing a flypast to kick off Scarborough Armed Forces Day. The Chinook is one of the RAF’s most recognisable aircraft, capable of carrying up to 55 troops or heavy cargo loads.

• 11.40am: RAF Tutor T Mark 1. This aircraft will take to the skies with a precision display.

• 1.30pm: Hawker Fury. A descendant of the legendary Sea Fury brings a powerful mid-afternoon display.

RAF Chinook will be doing a flypast to kick off Scarborough Armed Forces Day 2026. Photo credit: Crown/ AS1 Josh Gorman RAFplaceholder image
RAF Chinook will be doing a flypast to kick off Scarborough Armed Forces Day 2026. Photo credit: Crown/ AS1 Josh Gorman RAF

• 2.30pm: Calidus AutoGyro. An agile gyroplane promises a fascinating display.

• 3.30pm: RAF Supermarine Spitfire. One of Britain’s most iconic aircraft returns to Scarborough’s skies.

• 4.05pm: RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4. The day’s headline display will be ready to captivate audiences with the raw power, speed and agility of the frontline fighter.

On the ground there will be traditional military marches, band displays, presentations and live music throughout the afternoon. Among those performing will be 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 feature a Chelsea Pensioners display, marking their first appearance at Scarborough Armed Forces Day.

The council’s Armed Forces champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, said: “Armed Forces Day is always a highlight for Scarborough, and this year promises to be another memorable event.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together and show their appreciation for those who serve, from currently serving personnel to veterans, cadets and their families. We’re very proud to host such an important celebration on our coastline.”

North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “Scarborough Armed Forces Day is more than an event – it’s a show of unity, pride and community spirit.

“Together we thank and celebrate all who serve or have served.”

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