We hope your question about Armed Forces Day is addressed here, but if not please email AFDinfo@cornwall.gov.uk or phone 0300 1231118

Cornwall Council is also on Twitter and Facebook

If you would like this information in another format or language please contact: Cornwall Council, County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro, TR1 3AY email: customerservices@cornwall.gov.uk or call: 0300 1234 100

GENERAL INFORMATION

Q: What is the Armed Forces Day National event?

A: The Armed Forces Day National Event is an annual event which serves as the focus for the UK’s celebration of its armed forces. Each year the Ministry of Defence invites applications from local authorities to host the event. Cornwall Council’s application was selected by the Ministry of Defence for the 2023 event. You can find more information about Armed Forces Day at https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/

 

Q: Where is the event being held?

A: Falmouth with host the main weekend event and activities will take place throughout the town.

Communities across Cornwall will also be organising their own local events and activities. As local events are planned, you can search for details at https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/find-events/

 

Q: When will the event be held?

A: The programme for the main weekend event in Falmouth will run from Friday 23 June to Sunday 25 June. A detailed programme of activities and timings will be published on the event website as arrangements are confirmed Events Guide – Armed Forces Day (cornwall.gov.uk)

There will also be many other events outside these dates – including numerous community celebrations and flag raisings in the weeks ahead, Reserves Day on 21 June, and an Armed Forces Community Conference at Falmouth University on 22 June. As arrangements and timings are confirmed they will be posted on www.armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk and on Cornwall Council’s social media.

 

Q: Who is organising the event?

A: The event is being organised by Cornwall Council.

 

Q: Which partner organisations are involved?

The following organisations are working with Cornwall Council to deliver the event:

• CORMAC
• Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
• CORSERV
• Devon and Cornwall Police
• Falmouth BID
• Falmouth Town Council
• Ministry of Defence
• NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
• St John’s Ambulance Service
• South West Ambulance Service Trust
• Visit Cornwall
• Volunteer Cornwall

 

Q: Where can I find further information about the Event?

A: There is a dedicated website for the Armed Forces Day National event which will be regularly updated Home – Armed Forces Day (cornwall.gov.uk)

Details will also be promoted via social media pages @CornwallCouncil Information is also available at https://www.falmouth.co.uk/falmouth-events/national-armed-forces-day/

 

Q: Are there any opportunities for communities across Cornwall to get involved?

A: The Flag Relay events will be an opportunity for towns and villages across Cornwall to get involved. Details of these are available here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/media-press/afd-flag-relay/

Local communities can also organise their own celebrations. We have put together a toolkit for with ideas of ways to get involved in organising activities in towns and villages across Cornwall and guidance to help you https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/community/

 

Q: How can Veterans apply for a place in the Parade?

A: The Parade will take place in Falmouth on Saturday 24 June 2023. Veterans can apply to take part on the website at https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/veterans-parade-registration/

 

Q: Are there opportunities to become a sponsor?

A: There are lots of opportunities for businesses to support the event. Details of sponsorship packages can be found at https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/sponsorship/ If your company would like to discuss any of the packages or other ways that you would like to help, please complete the contact form on the website page and we will be in touch.

 

Q: Are there other ways for businesses to show their support?

Discounts and offers – we are working with the Defence Discount Service to enable businesses to be part of their discount scheme for members of the Armed Forces community. Further information is available at https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/index.php

Sign the Armed Forces Covenant – Businesses and organisations can show their support by making a pledge to support members of the Armed Forces community who work in their business or access their products and services. You can tailor your pledge to suit your organisation. For further information see https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/support-for-hm-armed-forces-personnel-veterans-and-their-families/show-your-support-for-the-armed-forces/

 

Q: How is the event funded?

A: The Ministry of Defence provides a grant to contribute to the expenses associated with hosting the event. We are working with national and local businesses to agree sponsorship packages to help cover other costs.

 

Q: Can I volunteer to help?

A: Volunteer Cornwall is working with the event organisers to recruit 100+ Falmouth-based volunteers to help ensure everything goes smoothly. Please visit https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/volunteering/ for more information.

 

Q: Are there opportunities for young people and schools to get involved?

A: Yes there are lots of opportunities – a full list of activities on offer can be found at https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/schools/ where education settings can register their interest.

They include:

Visit to the Military Village – One of the highlights of the event will be the Military Village where equipment will be on display – and schools and colleges are invited to a special preview on Friday, June 23, a day ahead of the general public viewing. All three services – Army, Navy and RAF – will showcase a range of military capability and equipment including STEM-specific activities and challenges.

Book an outreach visit – Expert teams from the Army, Navy and RAF are offering to visit Cornwall schools to provide practical demonstrations and teach-ins. Schools should book on the Armed Forces Day website or contact Gavin on 07925 360487.

Take part in the Armed Forces Day Robotics Challenge – This is a whole day of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities aimed at year 3 and 4 students. It will be a fun-packed, hands-on day using programmable robots and engineering-based tasks to develop problem solving, teamwork and communication skills.

Book a Zoom workshop from the Florence Nightingale Museum – As part of Armed Forces Day the Florence Nightingale Museum is offering schools the opportunity to receive a free online workshop – either a Mary Seacole or a Florence Nightingale Zoom workshop. Check out the website for more information and to book.

Other activities involving young people include:

· Youth journalists working with KEAP Writer Block, will have the opportunity to build skills working alongside local news teams in reporting on the weekend activities.

· The ASONE Hub working with young people to create a song for the event which will be performed on stages in town and at Pendennis castle.

 

Q: What is the Council doing to minimise the environmental impacts of the event?

A: A greenhouse gas assessment for the event is being developed and this will allow us to develop mitigations for the event and to develop an offset strategy. Our sustainability programme aims to contribute to this off set through long term projects across Falmouth and Cornwall. Projects which have been developed include biodiversity improvements in Falmouth, a tree planting project and biodiversity initiatives on Ministry of Defence land in Cornwall.

We are working with suppliers and stand holders to minimise waste from the event.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Q: Is there a cost to attend?

A: The main weekend activities in Falmouth organised by Cornwall Council are free of charge. Any events requiring pre-booking or payment are listed here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/events-guide/ 

 

Q: Do I need to buy a ticket?

A: A small number of activities will be ticketed where there is a need to restrict numbers due to capacity or safety arrangements. There will be no charge for tickets but places will need to be booked in advance. Details of these events and how to book tickets will be available on the website https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/events-guide/ and on social media pages @CornwallCouncil

See below for information about booking a tour of the Royal Navy Frigate and the concert at Pendennis Castle.

 

Q How can I book to take part in the tour of the Royal Navy frigate?

A: As soon as tickets are available, details will be shared on the website https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/events-guide/ and social media pages @CornwallCouncil

 

Q: How can I get tickets for the Saturday night concert at Pendennis Castle?

A: The concert will be a thank you to members of the armed forces and so we will be issuing the majority of the tickets to Army, Navy and RAF personnel involved in the weekend. Remaining tickets will be available, free of charge, for the public and details of how to book these will be shared on the website https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/events-guide/ and social media pages @CornwallCouncil

 

Q: Will Pendennis Castle be open as usual and how can I book a ticket?

A: Details of opening hours and how to book are available at www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pendennis-castle/

 

Q: Where can I find accommodation information?

A: The Visit Cornwall website provides visitor information https://www.visitcornwall.com/  Information can also be found at www.falmouth.co.uk/falmouth-accommodation/

 

Q: Where can I find out more about Falmouth?

A: The following sites have useful visitor information about Falmouth: https://www.visitcornwall.com/places/falmouth?term=falmouth  www.falmouth.co.uk/  You can take a 360 degree tour of Falmouth at https://www.falmouth.co.uk/virtual-falmouth/

 

Q: What’s the best way to travel to Falmouth for the event?

A: You can find information about how to get to Cornwall at www.visitcornwall.com/getting-here

There will be no public parking available in Falmouth on Saturday 24 June and so we would strongly encourage use of public transport. A park and ride service will be in operation. More information and maps here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

 

Q: Will there be parking?

Parking arrangements and a map of car park and road closures are explained here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

There will be no access to the usual Falmouth car parks during the event. The public are strongly advised to use the Park and Ride facility at Tremough on 24 June, or public transport.

The one day Park & Ride service will run from Falmouth University’s Tremough campus on Saturday 24 June. It will be clearly signed for incoming traffic, and may later operate from the Ponsharden car park if and when Tremough reaches capacity. The service will operate all day from 08.00 to 23.30.

Travelling into Falmouth

Buses leaving Tremough between 08.00 and 09.55 will serve both the Moor and Melville Road.  Due to the road closures the service will be limited between 09.55 and 10.45 only serving Berkeley Vale in Falmouth. From 10.45 until 13.30 buses will operate every 5 minutes to Melville Road. From 13.30 to 17.30 the frequency will reduce to every 10 minutes. From 17.30 to 18.57 a frequent service will operate from Tremough to Melville Road.

Travelling out of Falmouth

Buses to Tremough from Melville Road between 08.25 and 10.07. Then, due to road closures, no buses between 10.07 and 11.10. From 11.10 to 13.55 buses to Ponsharden and Tremough will operate every 5 minutes from Melville Road. From 13.55 to 17.05 the frequency will reduce to every 10 minutes. From 17.12 to 19.22 buses to Ponsharden and Tremough will operate every 2/3 minutes from Melville Road. From 19.25 to 20.15 buses to Ponsharden and Tremough will operate every 5 minutes from Melville Road and Falmouth Moor. From 20.15 to 20.30 the frequency will reduce to every 15 minutes. The last bus from Falmouth Moor with be 22:52. Thereafter a service for those attending the evening concert at Pendennis Castle will operate from the Castle at frequent intervals from 23.15 to 23.35.

Fares

£2 return per person or £5 return per family (2 adults, up to 4 children). Pay on the bus by cash, card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. There is wheelchair space on each bus.

The usual Saturday buses and trains will also run, with GWR running additional train services during the evening – please note Falmouth Town railway station will not be open on Saturday, but Penmere and Falmouth Docks will be.

Q: Where is the best place to see the air displays?

A: Aircraft will approach across Falmouth Bay. There will be ideal viewing of this anywhere along Cliff Road or on Gyllyngvase Beach, but as the flypasts will continue over Falmouth town and harbour there will be vantage points at most of the day’s event sites, and in towns and villages surrounding Falmouth. The timings of flypasts, and a planned parachute drop onto Pendennis Head, will be publicised in advance of 24 June.

 

Q: Will there be public toilets in town?

A: Existing town centre toilets will have extended opening hours plus additional temporary toilets will be sited throughout the town.

 

Q: What arrangements will be in place to make the event accessible to all?

A: The park and ride service includes compliant provisions for disabled access and travel.

There will be 100 dedicated spaces for disabled parking at Gyllyngvase Beach Car park on Saturday 24 June for the Flying Displays. Volunteer and security staff are on hand to assist with signposting and advice.

 

Q: What is there to see and do at the event?

A: You can read the full programme of events here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/events-guide/

This includes:

• Opening ceremony and salute with Fly-past
• A spectacular Military Village showcasing vehicles, equipment, interactive demonstrations and displays with a chance to get up close with air force, army and naval assets
• A full military parade through the streets of Falmouth involving armed forces bands, regular and reserve personnel from all three services, cadets and veterans.
• Entertainment, activities and displays throughout the town
• Opportunities to meet with armed forces charities and organisations to find out about their work and the support they can provide.
• Opportunities to take a tour of a Royal Naval Frigate
• Air displays over the stunning views of Falmouth Bay
• A Proms-style music concert at the iconic Pendennis Castle to celebrate and thank our armed forces
• Fireworks over Falmouth Harbour to round off proceedings.

 

Q: Will road closures affect me accessing my accommodation in town?

A: Details of road closures can be seen at https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

 

Q: Where is the Park and Ride and will there be a charge for using it?

A: There will be 1,000 spaces at Tremough (Falmouth University campus) and 500 spaces at Ponsharrden. Tickets will be £2.00 per person or £5 for families.

 

Q: How can I stay up to date with news on the event?

A: Please see the event website https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/ and social media pages @CornwallCouncil

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Residents

Q; Why are road closures necessary for the event?

A: Road closures will be in place to ensure that the event takes place in a safe and secure manner. These have been planned carefully to minimise impacts to residents and businesses. We have produced detailed information which you can find here which will help you to be aware of the plans and allow you to plan ahead. https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

 

Q: How can I find out if my road is affected?

A: Details of road closures can be seen here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

Each Street affected will have advance signage and notices 2 weeks before the event.

 

Q: How long are the restrictions going to be in place?

A: Restrictions will vary for different locations. We have planned carefully to ensure that restrictions are kept to an absolute minimum.

 

Q: Will I be able to park on my street as usual if my road is affected?

A: On street parking will not be available where restrictions are in place. 

 

Q: Will I be able to drive my car in and out of my property if my road is affected?

A: In most affected roads access will be available for residents through the closures, with evidence needing to be provided to security marshalls at the closure. We would ask residents to please be patient if part of the event is ongoing, security staff will help as soon as they are able and as long as it is safe to do so.

 

Q: Will my health visitor be able to visit me?

A: Parking has been allocated in car parks on both sides of town for scheduled health visits to be made.

 

Q: Will emergency vehicles have access?

A: Yes emergency vehicles will have access through road closures if required

 

Q: Will this affect my weekly waste collection?

A: There will be no impact on residential waste collections

 

Q: Will there be restrictions to boating and water activities?

A: There will be a maritime exclusion zone in place and a notice to mariners issued whilst the air display is taking place.

 

Q: Will shops be open?

A: Yes, shops in town will be open for business as usual. Falmouth is a great place to shop with a fascinating mix of independent retailers, nested alongside high street retailers. The town has a profusion of cafes, restaurants and speciality food outlets. Further information can be found at https://www.falmouth.co.uk/

 

Q: Will access to coastal paths be affected?

A: Coast paths will not be affected and will provide good vantage spots for viewing the flying displays.

 

Q: Will any venues be closed to the public?

A: The National Maritime Museum Cornwall will be closed to the public on Saturday 24 June. The Princess Pavilion will be closed to the public during the daytime on Saturday 24 June.

 

Q: Will the event impact schools? 

A: The event will not impact schools.

Friday 23 June will be a dedicated Schools STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) Day with lots of activities on Events Square and a special preview just for schools of the Military Village where assets and equipment will be on display. Schools and youth groups can register their interest to get involved at https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/schools/

 

Q: How do I get my vehicle out of my property if I need to during the event?

A: If you are in an area subject to closure (see map here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/ ) it will be important to plan ahead. In the event of an emergency, access will be facilitated through the marshals.

 

Q: Who can I speak to if I need to discuss specific access issues?

Please email AFDinfo@cornwall.gov.uk or phone 0300 1231118 if you need to discuss any specific circumstances.

 

Q: I live close to the main venues, how will noise levels be affected?

A: There will be entertainment stages as follows:

Friday 23 June, Saturday 24 June, Sunday 25 June

Church Street Car Park 12.00-17.00 10.00-17.00 11.00-16.00

Events Square 12.00-20.30 10.00-22.50 12.00-16.00

Pendennis Castle 18.30-22.50

A fireworks display is being planned on Saturday 24 June and this is anticipated to take place at 22.40 lasting for 10 minutes. Please keep pets indoors.

All necessary regulations will be adhered to and noise levels will be monitored.

 

Q: How is waste being managed during the event?

A: A waste management plan is in place for the event

Businesses

Q; Why are road closures necessary for the event?

A: Road closures will be in place to ensure that the event takes place in a safe and secure manner. These have been planned carefully to minimise impacts to residents and businesses. We have produced maps and information here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/ which will help you to be aware and plan ahead.

 

Q: How can I find out if my premises will be affected?

A: Look at the maps here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

 

Q: How long are the restrictions going to be in place?

A: Restrictions will vary for different locations. We have planned carefully to ensure that restrictions are kept to an absolute minimum. Details can be found on a map here https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

 

Q: Will business deliveries in the centre of town be affected?

A: There will be no access to the main streets between 09:30 to 16:30hrs on Friday 23 June and from 07:00 on Saturday through to 18:00 on Sunday. See maps here for details of areas affected https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

 

Q: I provide holiday accommodation, what information do I need to give to my guests?

A: Useful information and maps are here  https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

 

Q: What information do I need to give to customers who have made an appointment to visit my business during the event weekend?

A: Please encourage them to use the Park and Ride facilities at Tremough Campus on Saturday 24 June. Car parks in Falmouth will not be open as usual and on street parking will not be available close to the event.

Car park closure times and road restrictions are explained on these maps https://armedforcesday.cornwall.gov.uk/how-to-get-there/

 

Q: Who can I speak to if I need to discuss a particular access issue?

Please email AFDinfo@cornwall.gov.uk or phone 0300 1231118 if you need to discuss any specific circumstances.