Folkestone's Armed Forces Day celebrations have received a significant financial boost after securing a share of a £430,000 Ministry of Defence grant fund. The town is among just 130 locations nationwide to benefit from the funding, which aims to help local organisers cover essential costs for bringing the public together with serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and cadets.
Event Details and Highlights
Folkestone is preparing for a spectacular festive atmosphere on June 27, with organisers expecting tens of thousands of visitors to the coast. The funding will support a packed itinerary of events centred around the Leas Bandstand. Highlights include spectacular air displays over the Kent coast, featuring the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and an RAF Asset flypast. Visitors can also try out high-tech military simulators and explore interactive kit exhibitions showcasing innovative military equipment. Live entertainment and a full programme of music at the bandstand will feature performances by the Military Wives and the Andrews Sisters.
Government Support and Community Impact
The surge in funding is part of a wider government push to reconnect local communities with the military, following recommendations from the recent Strategic Defence Review. John Healey MP stated: "Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe, and we are deeply proud of the skill and courage they show every day. I want to see people turning out in force this June to thank our personnel and their families who support them and get a real insight into how they keep us safe 24/7."
Sir Rich Knighton added that public support is vital for morale: "The support of the public matters deeply to the Armed Forces community. Seeing the country come together to host these events shows how much what we do matters to the public."
Other locations in Kent that also secured funding include Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, and Westgate-on-Sea.
