16 March 2023

Cornwall began its official countdown to the Armed Forces Day National Event today with an enthusiastic event at Falmouth’s Pendennis Castle. 

Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army raised the Armed Forces Day flag to launch a series of events countywide that will culminate in a spectacular weekend centred on Falmouth.

Members of the Armed Forces – serving personnel, cadets, veterans, reservists, and the wider armed forces community – gathered to mark 100 Days to Go towards Cornwall hosting the annual national salute set for the weekend of 24 June 2023.

Against the backdrop of Pendennis Castle – the Tudor fortress which has seen service from the reign of Henry Vlll and through both world wars – personnel from across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force raised the official Armed Forces Day flag, including a version in Kernewek, the Cornish language.

A Royal Navy Merlin helicopter hovered overhead, and Royal Engineers abseiled down the castle walls. A gun-crew prepared artillery before a ‘cannon salute’ was fired by Royal Air Force Air Commodore Polly Perkins. Military buglers and drummers were also front and centre of the ceremony. 

The flag will shortly begin a tour of many Cornish locations – military and community – with numerous local events of celebration and thanks, leading to its return to Falmouth for the grand finale in June.  

Note to Editors:

Please use this trailer featuring Bear Grylls OBE on social media to give a sense of the event’s scale: https://youtu.be/PmWt5ipZh_Q

Organisers estimate the Armed Forces Day event in Cornwall 2023 will attract well in excess of 100,000 people and earn about £1m for the local economy. For more information, please visit Home – Armed Forces Day (cornwall.gov.uk) or follow Twitter or Facebook @ArmedForcesDay #Cornwall2023 #SaluteOurForces

Photography of 100-day countdown 2023 event is available here

Contact Details:

Cornwall Council Communications: 07484 635280 or mediarelations@cornwall.gov.uk 

Ministry of Defence media enquiries: 020 7218 7907 sophie.barnes131@mod.gov.uk