Free family activities and live performances across Armed Forces Weekend at the National Memorial Arboretum

On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, will once again host a wide range of free, family activities to celebrate Armed Forces Weekend. The annual event invites visitors to show their support and learn more about the lives of those who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving personnel, to veterans, cadets and their families. Armed Forces Weekend at the Arboretum is made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsor by Briggs Equipment UK, and is one of 130 local events supported by Ministry of Defence grant funding.

“Armed Forces Weekend is a highlight of our calendar, bringing people together to celebrate and recognise the extraordinary service of our Armed Forces community,” said Neill Martin-Hoare, Head of Events at the National Memorial Arboretum. “This year, as we mark the Arboretum’s 25th anniversary, the weekend will be more vibrant than ever, full of energy and free activities for all ages.

What’s on… Live performances and storytelling

Storytelling is central to the work of the Arboretum, and throughout the weekend we’ll be sharing powerful stories of service.

Members of the Arboretum’s Armed Forces Community artist development programme, Talent in the Ranks, will soundtrack the celebrations, sharing music and spoken word inspired by their experiences. Meanwhile, all-female chorus The Heath Belles will be taking audiences on a musical journey through time with sets filled with nostalgic tunes from decades past.

Drop-in interactive storytelling sessions will bring stories alive for younger visitors, whilst ‘Women at War’ will shine a spotlight on the vital work of Army nurses and military medical practises during the Second World War during drop-in talks.

The Arboretum’s daily programme of talks, trails and tours will also be available throughout the weekend, helping visitors discover the stories of service and sacrifice remembered across the site.

Free family activities across the whole weekend

In the ‘Family Zone’, visitors will find a range of free activities, including a bouldering wall, soft play area, and arts and crafts (held from 11am to 3pm) sessions. Meanwhile, in the ‘Adrenaline Zone’, guests can experience a more adventurous selection of free activities, including climbing wall, zipline, free-drop airbag, an assault course and interactive outreach activities provided by the Army and Navy.

Event sponsor Briggs Equipment UK, will also be offering a host of activities including their ever-popular forklift basketball experience. On Saturday 27 June, visitors will also have the chance to meet the Briggs Equipment UK therapy dogs.

Throughout the weekend visitors will also be able to explore a collection of historic military vehicles, curated by the Military Vehicle Trust, and browse the Women at War static display. In Veterans’ Village, on Heroes’ Square, welfare organisations including the Royal British Legion, will offer guidance, support, and signposting for the Armed Forces community.

The Arboretum’s Armed Forces Weekend celebrations continue to be a hugely popular event. To guarantee entry and to save on parking, it is highly recommended to book car parking in advance.