Stowmarket to host Suffolk’s Armed Forces Day celebrations

20/05/26

Stowmarket will play host to Suffolk’s 2026 Armed Forces Day celebrations, with military fanfare and a full day of family fun to recognise and celebrate the contribution of the armed forces community.

The free event, organised by Mid Suffolk District Council in partnership with Stowmarket Town Council, will take place at the Recreation Ground on Saturday 27 June and brings together service personnel, veterans, families and the wider community for a day of both fun and reflection.

The day’s schedule features tributes to our local military bases, including speeches, a display of historic military vehicles, and a ceremonial salute with detachments from Wattisham, Honington and Rock Barracks in Woodbridge.

Visitors will be able to enjoy live music from a number of performers, including a 30-piece brass band, Honington Military Wives, and The Vibettes – a 30s style swing duo. There will be a range of family-friendly games and activities, such as face painting, soft play and inflatables, alongside a range of stalls from local businesses, community organisations and charities.

Cllr James Patchett, Mid Suffolk District Council’s armed forces champion who also works for the Ministry of Defence, said: “We are honoured to be hosting Armed Forces Day in our district this year and what better way to mark it than by bringing the whole community together for a special celebration.

“Armed Forces Day is a reminder to us all of the sacrifices these heroes and their families make to keep us safe, so I will be looking forward to championing their achievements and acknowledging their bravery alongside our residents on the day.”

Cllr Darren Dordoy, mayor of Stowmarket, said: “We’re incredibly proud and excited to be hosting Armed Forces Day here in Stowmarket, a chance for our community to come together and celebrate our Armed Forces.”

Mark Pendlington, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, said: “Armed Forces Day is one of the highlights of our county calendar – an opportunity to honour all those who serve with such selfless courage and distinction, and the veterans who have sacrificed so much.

“My thanks go to all those organisations that are dedicated to standing alongside everyone in the armed services family and on Armed Forces Day we celebrate and thank them.”

The event in Stowmarket further builds on Mid Suffolk District Council support of the armed forces community. In 2025, the council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant – reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that members of the armed forces community are treated fairly and face no disadvantages as a result of their service. The council has also achieved the bronze award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – a testament to its support for defence personnel, reservists, veterans and military families.