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On Saturday, 28th June 2025, Monmouthshire will proudly host Wales’ National Armed Forces Day at the picturesque Caldicot Castle and Country Park. 

Join Monmouthshire County Council as we celebrate and support the Armed Forces community, from currently serving personnel, including reservists, to Service families, veterans, and cadets.

This free family-friendly event features parades, military displays, and various engaging activities. It presents an opportunity for the public to gain insight into the military’s vital roles and contributions, fostering a deeper appreciation for their dedicated service.

The event will be open to the public from 11am to 4pm and will feature exhibitions and demonstrations throughout the site.

With many attractions to be seen throughout the event, highlights will include a fly-past by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team along with The Military Vehicle Trust, bringing a variety of ex-military vehicles for people to view.

Get ready for a fun-filled day. Enjoy exciting parades featuring cadets, fantastic performances by military bands, and a variety of activities that the whole family can participate in. It’s going to be an excellent time for everyone.

We’re excited to highlight the connections between the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services. You’ll meet folks from Gwent Police, South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, Welsh Ambulance Services Trust, and Longtown Mountain Rescue Team. Plus, plenty of third-sector and charity groups will join us to share what they do and raise awareness, like the Monmouthshire Veterans’ Support Hub, the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Fighting with Pride, Woody’s Lodge, and more.

This is a not-for-profit event coordinated by Monmouthshire County Council and is funded by Welsh Government grant funding, sponsorship, in-kind support, and funding from Monmouthshire County Council.

This Event is supported by:

Caldicot Town Council

We are working with Counter Terrorism Policing to help keep everyone safe at the Armed Forces Day event.

Security screening is in place and our engaging staff will be on hand to facilitate your entry.

We will be carrying out random bag searches at the secure entrance points.


Interested in volunteering at Wales’ National Armed Forces Day?

We are looking for volunteers to play an important role on Armed Forces Day, welcoming visitors, providing information and promoting the county and our services.

Find out more here: https://volunteer.monmouthshire.gov.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10237083?lang=EN


FAQs

Q. Will I need to print my ticket?

No, you’ll be able to show your tickets via your phone

Q. I can’t print my ticket / My ticket hasn’t arrived yet, what should I do?

Please use the order tracker on their website or via the link: https://ArmedForcesDayJune25.eventbrite.co.uk

Q. Accessibility

While the castle grounds are generally accessible, the uneven nature may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues, as the event will take place on the grass. The park is suitable for wheelchair users with assistance.

The event has friendly stewards & accessible toilets.

Accessible parking is available on a first come first served basis, however, booking in advance is advisable, this can be done via the ticket website. This will be located on the Castle Gate Business Park,

What3words:  https://w3w.co/aunts.clips.stumble.  There are volunteers and signage to guide you to the event once you are parked.

Blue badge parking is also in Castle Gate Business Park; this must be booked in advance via the ticket website.  The location is What3words: https://w3w.co/aunts.clips.stumble There are volunteers and signage to guide you to the event once you are parked.

We try all our efforts to make this event accessible to everyone.

Please keep your children close and be aware that amplified noise presents a danger to vulnerable hearing, so we strongly recommend that you bring hearing protection. When around the stage or event arena.

Q. Are there parking facilities?

Yes, a large car park is available at the David Broome Event Centre – What3words https://w3w.co/laptop.jolt.diagram. Parking is free and availability may vary booking in advance is recommended, this can be done via the ticket website.
There will be signage to direct you to the event once you are parked, the ground is uneven and it is approximately a 5 minute walk.

Blue badge parking is also in Castle Gate Business Park; this must be booked in advance via the ticket website.  The location is What3words: https://w3w.co/aunts.clips.stumble There are volunteers and signage to guide you to the event once you are parked.

Q. What happens if it rains?

The event proceeds rain or shine; umbrellas are permitted.
The event team will monitor the weather conditions closely regarding adverse weather warnings.
As the event is being held within the country park, the weather impacts the site. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for all conditions.

Q. Can I bring my own food, drinks, or alcohol?

Bringing alcohol is prohibited, and bags are subject to search upon entry. You are welcome to bring picnics and food. However, we will have a great selection of catering outlets at the event.

Q. Can I bring water to the event? Will there be free water at the event?

Please note there will be free water points around the event to refill any empty water bottle throughout the day.

Drinks are permitted, excluding alcohol. Checks may be taken at the point of entry.  You may also bring along an empty reusable water bottle.

Q. Are pets allowed?

No animals other than assistance dogs are permitted at the event.

Q. Is there an age restriction for events? What is the age restriction?

Under 18-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult 18+ (No more than 3 under 16s to 1 adult)

Q. What are banned & prohibited items?

Please do not bring any of the following with you onto the event site, as you will not be allowed to enter the site if any of these items are found in your possession:

  • Aerosols
  • Air horns
  • Alcohol
  • BBQs or any cooking apparatus
  • Bicycles, scooters, roller skates
  • Blow torches
  • Glass Bottles
  • Chinese lanterns
  • Cooking apparatus
  • Cigarettes (more than for personal use)
  • Metal Cutlery
  • Drones
  • Fireworks/pyrotechnics
  • Flags with poles
  • Flares / distress flares/smoke flares
  • Large Gazebos
  • Gas cylinders/canisters
  • Glass
  • Knives
  • Illegal substances (drugs)
  • Laser pens
  • Legal/herbal highs (includes Nitrous Oxide and associated equipment, including balloons)
  • Megaphones
  • Professional audio-visual recording equipment
  • Selfie Sticks
  • Smoke bombs/canisters
  • Sound systems
  • Tabards/High Viz Jackets
  • Weapons

Prohibited items will be confiscated and if any attendee is found with any illegal item, they will be refused entry and referred to the Police.

The inner castle walls for the ceremony may have additional checks.

Q. Will we be allowing furniture, and picnic blankets

Outdoor portable folding chairs and folding tables, along with picnic blankets, will be permitted at the event. However, these will be limited to designated areas.

Small pop-up sunshades and large sun umbrellas will be permitted.

Q. Are there on-site toilet facilities?

Standard and accessible toilet facilities are located throughout the event site, along with a number of baby changing facilities.  

Q. Can I leave and re-enter the event?

Yes, but upon re-entry, you will need to re-display the ticket and go through the security checks again.

Q. Is there an ATM on site?

There are no ATMs on site.

Q. I can’t go anymore, I need to cancel my ticket.

Please contact your ticket provider via this link: https://ArmedForcesDayJune25.eventbrite.co.uk

Q. No camping or vans

This event and site do not cater for overnight stays.  However, suitable locations can be found via the link below

Visit Monmouthshire camping & caravan sites