Join us for a packed programme of free live music, interactive activities and entertainment for all ages as we come together to recognise and celebrate the Armed Forces community. Whether you're taking part in hands-on activities, exploring our static displays or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there's something for everyone to discover!
Armed Forces Weekend at the National Memorial Arboretum is made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsor Briggs Equipment UK. Armed Forces Weekend at the Arboretum is also one of 130 local events
supported by Ministry of Defence grant funding.
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Live music from our Talent in the Ranks artists will soundtrack our celebrations; you'll be able to listen to lots of fantastic performances from aspiring singers, songwriters, and poets from within the Armed Forces community.
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.
On Saturday 27 June we will be joined by our Friends from Ride to the Wall. The Ride to the Wall team will be presenting the Arboretum with a donation representing the proceeds from the most recent Ride to the Wall held in October 2025.
There will be lots of FREE activities for the whole family to enjoy across the weekend:
Family Zone
Bouldering Wall
Soft play area
Arts & crafts -11am - 3pm
Interactive family storytelling
Adrenalin Zone
Climbing wall
zipline
Free airdrop bag
Assault course
Army & Navy outreach activities
Military Vehicle Trust
Explore a display of historic military vehicles curated by our friends from the Military Vehicle Trust.
Women at War
Learn more about the work of Army nurses and British military medicine in the Second World War. Women at War will be remembering and sharing the experiences of Army nurses during the Second World War. Explore the display of historic artefacts and uniforms or join a free drop-in talk throughout the day.
Visitors can enjoy a host of activities delivered by our event sponsor Briggs Equipment UK including the ever-popular forklift basketball and a tombola. On Saturday 27 June the Briggs Equipment UK therapy dogs will also be spreading cheer at our celebrations.
Veterans Village (Heroes' Square)
Explore the Veterans Village, where military welfare organisations will offerguidance, support, and signposting for the Armed Forces community.
In 2026, we will mark 25 years since the Arboretum officially opened to the public. Throughout the year, we are celebrating the stories, milestones, and moments that have shaped our story so far, as we look to the future, with a special programme of exciting exhibitions, events and activities.
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We aim to cater for the needs of all our visitors and try to accommodate all access requirements where possible. A limited number of mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available to hire at the Arboretum each day and are often used by our visitors to explore our site. Mobility scooters can be hired for a daily charge and a wheelchair for a donation of your choice.
A number of accessible toilets can be found in the Remembrance Centre, as well as a Changing Places toilet.
Assistance dogs are allowed in all areas of the Arboretum.
Due to expected high visitor numbers, advanced booking is recommended to guarantee entry over Armed Forces Weekend.
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