York celebrates Armed Forces Week

City of York Council is joining partners across the city and the UK, to celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Armed Forces later this month Saturday (29 June).

Armed Forces Day is a chance for communities to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.

It marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning on Monday 24 June, when the public show their support and appreciation for the Armed Forces community. It also includes Reserves Day (26 June), which provides the country with an opportunity to recognise our Reserve Forces.

Organisations across York will be showing their support for Armed Forces personnel once again this year, offering discounts either on Armed Forces Day, or for the week. Many businesses and attractions offer discounts to serving personnel throughout the year.

The national Armed Forces Day flag will also be flown above York’s iconic Mansion House throughout the week as part of the city’s celebrations.

This year, residents can get involved in celebrating sport and service at the inaugural Armed Forces Day Football Fest.

Sponsored by LNER, the Armed Forces Day Football Fest will be held at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday 6 July, from 11am - 5pm, with Ladies’ and Men’s teams from the British Army going head-to-head with North Yorkshire Police.

Free tickets are available https://www.yorksmc.co.uk/buy-armed-forces-day

Laura Williams, Assistant Director of Customer, Communities and Inclusion, said: “Armed Forces Week gives communities across the city the opportunity to thank the Armed Forces and recognise the sacrifice they and their families make.

“The inaugural Armed Forces Football Fest is a fantastic way for everyone to get involved in celebrating sport and service and I’d encourage people to get their free tickets for what promises to be a fun, family-friendly event.”

City of York Council is committed to working across the city to support its armed forces community, setting out its support through the Armed Forces Covenant. It focuses on helping members of the Armed Forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.

A weekly Armed Forces Drop Centre at the Spurriergate Centre (YO1 9QR) also provides social and welfare support for members of the armed forces community in York.

The council publishes an Armed Forces Community Information and Directory of Support, which provides serving armed forces personnel, their families, reservists and veterans, with the details of help and support available from a wide range of organisations locally and nationally.

Further information about Armed Forces Week offers, regular events and a copy of the directory is available online at www.livewellyork.co.uk/information-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/armed-forces-community/

For further information on the Armed Forces Covenant is available at www.york.gov.uk/armedforcescovenant