Armed Forces Day 2026 at Northampton Market Square: Free Family Fun This Saturday

If you’re after something free to do with the family this weekend, Armed Forces Day is back on Northampton Market Square this Saturday, and it’s a lovely one for getting the kids interested in our local heritage, with live music, charity stalls, free face painting and a chance to get up close to some impressive vehicles. Just a quick heads up before you set off – with the hot weather forecast, the parade element has been cancelled this year, but the rest of the day is very much going ahead. Here’s everything you need to know.

Armed Forces Day will be celebrated at Northampton’s Market Square this Saturday, 27th June between 10am and 3pm, with musical entertainment, talks, information stands and vehicle displays.

The free event, organised by Northampton Town Council, opens at 10am with welcome speeches at 10.30am from the Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Mike Hallam and Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Military Veteran Dominic Goble JP, followed by a stage lineup hosted by NLive Radio featuring guest speakers, interviews and live music.

Parade cancelled due to extreme heat

Unfortunately due to the extreme heat and humidity forecast, the decision has been made to cancel the parade scheduled to take place at 10am following national direction issued across the armed forces. The static element of the event will still go ahead as planned. There will be a shaded area within the square for visitors, please ensure you stay safe in the heat; drink plenty, wear sunscreen and a hat.

While it is disappointing to cancel the parade element of Armed Forces Day, the safety of participants and spectators must come first, with extreme temperatures forecast. We look forward to continuing the rest of the event with a range of stallholders, vehicle displays, and musical performances on the market square and celebrating the invaluable contribution of our Armed Forces.

Cllr Mike Hallam, Mayor of Northampton

What’s on at Armed Forces Day Northampton 2026

Visitors can hear live music from 11am starting with the 5F Squadron RAF Air Cadet Band, followed by vintage vocal trio The Starlight Sisters at 11.45am, singing songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s.

The RNA (Royal Naval Association) Riders Branch will then present a cheque to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, celebrating their fundraising campaigns and hard work within the community.

At 12.45pm and 1.45pm visitors are joined on stage by local favourites Abington Wind Band, with talks from The Royal British Legion highlighting the importance of the annual poppy appeal and the Veterans Community Network describing the invaluable support they offer veterans.

Children can also enjoy free face painting, plus an Armed Forces Day colouring station and the chance to explore the selection of vehicles on display.

Charity and community stalls on the day

A variety of armed forces charities and community information stalls will be set up on the square, including:

• The Royal British Legion
• ABF – The Soldiers’ Charity (Army Benevolent Fund)
• SSAFA – Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association
• The Royal Air Forces Association
• 103 & 118 REME Cadets Recruitment
• VCN – Veterans Community Network
• Help For Heroes
• NHTF – Talking Therapies NHS
• COFEPOW – Children and Families of the Far East Prisoners of War
• Northants & Hunts Masons – Discover Freemasonry
• The Veterans Charity
• Girl Guiding Northamptonshire
• Northamptonshire Volunteer Police & Emergency Service Cadets
• Northamptonshire Association for the Blind
• RNA – Royal Naval Association Riders Branch
• Veterans Foundation Charity Lottery
• Northampton Town Council Local Heritage Stall
• NLive Radio

There will also be information on the Defence Medical Welfare Service’s project ‘Thrive Together’.

On Armed Forces Day, we celebrate and show gratitude to our serving personnel, veterans and military charities and learn more about their vital work in the UK and overseas. Everyone is welcome to come along, speak with representatives and enjoy the free family entertainment on offer.

Visit the town council’s website for the full schedule for the Armed Forces Day event.

Northants Families top tips for the day

With the heat forecast for Saturday, this is one to plan around carefully. Pack sun cream, hats and a refillable water bottle each, and make use of the shaded area if anyone starts to flag. As it’s in the town centre, you’ll also find plenty of cafes and shops nearby for a cool-down break if you need one.

It’s completely free to attend, so it’s a great low-cost option for the weekend, and easy to combine with a wander round the rest of the town centre afterwards. If you want more free and cheap family days out like this one delivered straight to your inbox, my weekly what’s on newsletter rounds up the best things happening for families across Northamptonshire every week, so you never miss out.

This event is run by Northampton Town Council, and all details were correct at the time of publication, based on information from their press release. However, changes or cancellations can happen at short notice, particularly with the weather in mind this week, so do check the council’s website before you travel.

The events listed in this guide are run by third-party organisers, and all details were correct at the time of publication, based on information from their official websites. However, changes or cancellations can happen at short notice. To avoid any disappointment, we recommend double-checking the event information on the official websites before making plans.