A special Armed Forces Day celebration is being planned at Stratford Park in Stroud this summer, organised by local veterans with the support of Stroud District Council.
The free event will take place on Saturday 27 June, from 10am to 4.30pm.
The not‑for‑profit event aims to give residents the opportunity to show their support for serving personnel, veterans and their families, while also showcasing local veterans’ services, emergency services and charities. It will be a family‑friendly day with activities and attractions for all ages.
Stroud District Council has supported the event by providing £1,200 in funding through its Armed Forces Forum, making Stratford Park available as the venue, and giving officer support for publicity and logistics.
The event organisers are still seeking a further £1,500 to help cover the remaining costs for this year’s event, while also helping to support planning for next year’s celebration.
A GoFundMe appeal has been launched to raise the final amount, and residents are encouraged to support the event if they are able: https://gofund.me/34607c7fa
Stuart Love, event organiser and veteran, said: “This event means a great deal to me personally and to the wider veteran community in Stroud. The district has a strong tradition of supporting the Armed Forces, particularly through the Poppy Appeal, and Armed Forces Day is another important way for residents to show that support.
“It’s a chance for veterans and their families to come together, feel recognised and connect with organisations that are there to help. We’re also proud to be showcasing the brilliant work of local rescue and emergency services, who play such a vital role in supporting our community every day.”
A wide range of organisations, activities and refreshments are already confirmed, including entertainment from the Innsworth Military Wives Choir, the Cheltenham Pipe Band, Jim’s Jive troupe, and information stalls including:
- Stroud & District Veterans Hub
- Army, Navy and RAF representatives
- The Royal British Legion
- SSAFA (Military Charity)
- Royal British Legion Riders
- The Parachute Regiment Association
- Gloucestershire Constabulary
- Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service
- Gloucestershire NHS Trusts
- Great Western Ambulance Service
- British Red Cross
- Scouts and Cadets
Stroud District Councillor and Armed Forces Champion Cllr Shyama Ananthan said: “Armed Forces Day is an important national opportunity to recognise the contribution of serving personnel, veterans and their families. I am pleased that the Stroud district will be hosting Gloucestershire’s Armed Forces Day celebration this year.
“This event highlights the strong partnership between local veterans and the council and provides a chance for the community to come together, access support and mark the service of our armed forces.”
For more information about the event, please contact the organisers by email at stroudafd26@gmail.com
Stroud District Council’s Armed Forces Champion Group is made up of councillors and officers who meet regularly with local veterans’ groups to ensure the needs of veterans in the district are understood and addressed.
The council offers a range of support for veterans, including:
- Guaranteed face‑to‑face interviews with veterans to discuss housing options, homelessness and council tenancy issues
- A 20 percent discount on activities and memberships at Active Lifestyles Stroud District, available with a military or veterans ID card
More information about local support for veterans is available at: www.stroud.gov.uk/veterans
