Cornwall Armed Forces Day 2023: 100 day countdown event in Falmouth

With a cannon salute, a giant flag being unfurled down the side of Pendennis Castle and a helicopter flypast, the event marks 100 days until Cornwall hosts the national event, in Falmouth.

The unveiling of the flag starts its 100-day special tour across the length and breadth of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, starting in Falmouth and then heading to Launceston, Bodmin, Fowey, RAF St Mawgan in Newquay, Land’s End, Isles of Scilly, Penzance, RNAS Culdrose in Helston, Truro and HMS Raleigh at Torpoint.

It will culminate in the event itself, taking place over two days on June 24 and 25, which will feature ‘Top Gun’ style stunts from the Red Arrows.

Other military aerial displays are also planned, along with the parades, service drills and the chance to see a range of military vehicles up close.

The whole event is free and will include a tour of a naval ship if you book via the website in advance.

The event is being supported by explorer by Bear Grylls, a former Reservist in the British Special Forces, who has recorded a special welcome that can be seen below, giving a sense of the scale of this year’s event.

He said: “As a former member of the British Reserve Special Forces and an Honorary Colonel to the Royal Marines Commandos, I know first-hand how truly incredible our armed forces community is.

“The motivation, commitment and professionalism that’s shown every day by serving personnel is inspirational. Selflessly performing their military duties, often in the most difficult and dangerous of settings.

“I hope people will take this opportunity to show the armed forces their appreciation and take part in the celebrations. I know Cornwall is going to deliver a truly fantastic show!”

This morning’s event, which takes place between 10am and 11am, and is being broadcast live on the Packet’s Facebook page, will include a Royal Navy helicopter fly-past, as members of the Armed Forces abseil down the walls of Pendennis Castle to unfurl the giant Armed Forces Day flag.

A gun-crew will prepare artillery before a ‘cannon salute’ is fired by Royal Air Force Air Commodore Polly Perkins.

A detachment of military buglers and drummers will appearing at the ceremonial occasion, along with serving military personnel, veterans and cadets.

Cornwall will be celebrating the work of the armed forces this June (Image: Armed Forces Day)

Dr Andrew Murrison MP, minister for defence people and veterans, said: “With just 100 days to go until the national event, I am thrilled that the people of Cornwall will come together in Falmouth to show their support for the military community and the work that they do to keep us safe.

“Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity for members of the public to thank our service personnel and I encourage everyone to get involved, whether that's attending the national event in Falmouth, a local event or running their own event.”

Pendennis Castle, chosen to mark 100-day milestone, was once a Tudor fortress defending Cornwall and also saw service during the two World Wars. Now in the care of English Heritage, it will be the centre point for the Armed Forces Day celebrations.

The Red Arrows will be performing at the event this June (Image: Armed Forces Day)

Air Commodore Polly Perkins, regional air officer for the South-West of England, said: “Armed Forces Day is a significant occasion for the people of the UK and provides a very special opportunity for the military services to unite with the very people that we serve.

“Everything is ready and people will have a great experience, we’re really looking forward to the national celebrations in Cornwall this summer.”

Organisers estimate the Armed Forces Day event in Cornwall 2023 will attract well in excess of 100,000 people and earn about £1million for the local economy.

More celebrations are expected around the UK and at British military outposts overseas.