Folkestone’s Armed Forces Day – Air Displays and Honour

Folkestone has a long history with Britain’s Armed Forces and every year is on hand to honour their service to our country. There are air displays from the Red Arrows (on some years!) to the Battle Of Britain Display team, flying over the very land and sea the original pilots flew over in 1940.

Folkestone is a venue that both the military and the audience love as there’s a wealth of places to watch the activity.  Thanks to Folkestone’s location, if you’re standing on The Leas then you are at eye level with the pilots.  If you’re on the beach, the coastal park or on the Harbour Arm you get to watch the aerobatics happen over the sea in front of you.

Armed Forces Day is on Saturday 27th June 2026. Folkelife has a run-down of what else you can expect.

music

At the Bandstand on The Leas there is an entertainment programme that runs all day.  Confirmed acts performing for 2026 are the Friends of the Royal British Legion Community Choir – Folkestone, The Andrews Sisters Tribute Act, Sophia Stutchbury, The Military Wives Choir – Shorncliffe and Victoria Bass and the Cinque Port Lindy Hoppers.  

the ground event

The area to the rear of the Bandstand, and to the junction of Cliff Road is dedicated to displays and stands including military benevolent organisations, military static aircraft and vehicle displays, Great War Trench Experience, Red Arrows and Typhoon display team flight simulators, Classic Car Show, Battle of Britain and weapon display stands, cadet’s laser shooting tents, face painting and much more.

Folkestone Town Council has been organising Armed Forces Day for nearly 20 years.  2026 promises to be the biggest event yet of its history attracting over 40,000 visitors. 

There will be lots to eat and drink from traders situated on the lawns between the Leas Cliff Hall and the WWII Memorial Arch.

Veterans will be present on the day, and many will engage with the public about their experiences in service.

Those attending will have the opportunity to visit the charity stands and stalls including the Royal British Legion, BLESMA, SSAFA, RAFA, RNLI who also offer a wide range of services and advice to forces personnel.

90 years of the spitfire

2026 also marks an important anniversary for the Supermarine Spitfire I which made its debut at the RAF Display at Hendon in 1936.  By the time war had broken out in 1939, the plane was in manufacture and the RAF was building up stock, and became the most famous British fighter aircraft in history.  In fact, more Spitfires have been built than any other British combat aircraft.

Their distinctive engines can be heard often before the craft are seen in the skies above Folkestone, and evoke memories of the era they were crucial in preventing Hitler invade the UK.