This is an event that provides an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel including reservists to Service families, veterans, and cadets.
The aim of the day is to increase public support and appreciation and to bring the community together to celebrate Armed Forces Day in a family friendly, free to attend event marked by parades, military displays, and activities that provides an opportunity for the public to learn about the military’s role and contributions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation.
The day will open to the public from 11am and run until 4pm during which there will be exhibitions and demonstrations across the site.
The day-long event has been organised in partnership with senior leads within the Army, Navy, and RAF. It will be a thrilling day, featuring various assets from the Armed Forces (these are likely to be, but not yet confirmed, a fly-past, parachute drops, military vehicles, future capabilities, Naval dive tank, etc.) and Blue Light Services, family entertainment, live music, exhibitions, food and drink, and many engagement teams from various regiments across the wide ranging military.
In recognition of the interconnectivity between the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services, we will also be showcasing the people and assets from Gwent Police, South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, Welsh Ambulance Services Trust, and Longtown Mountain Rescue Team. Third sector and charitable organisations will also be present to offer their services and raise awareness including: the Monmouthshire Veterans’ Support Hub, the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Fighting with Pride, Woody’s Lodge, and more.
Forces Fitness will be present with their 40ft inflatable assault course, hurdles, crawl net and Gladiator Pugil Stick Challenge. The Southeast Wales branch of the Military Vehicle Trust will be in attendance who are the largest group of ex-military vehicle owners and enthusiasts in the World and the only charity dedicated to “keeping our mechanical veterans alive”.
This is a not-for-profit event coordinated by Monmouthshire County Council and is funded by a combination of Welsh Government grant funding, sponsorship, in-kind support, and funding from Monmouthshire County Council.
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?
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,
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.
Unwaith y byddwch wedi dewis iaith, byddwn yn defnyddio cwcis i gofio ar gyfer y tro nesaf
Once you've selected a language, we'll use cookies to remember for next time.
