The countdown is on for Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026, taking place this Saturday (27 June) at Pembrey Country Park. Residents and visitors to Carmarthenshire are encouraged to come along and show their support for the Armed Forces community.
The FREE event (parking fees apply) will be held in Pembrey County Park’s Archery Field and begins from 11:30am, with an exciting programme including a parade and an A400m Atlas flypast at 12:30pm, immediately following the opening ceremony.
Visitors can also look forward to a spectacular performance from the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team at 3:45pm (weather permitting), showcasing a thrilling free-fall display with advanced manoeuvres at speeds of up to 120mph.
The event promises something for everyone, with a wide range of stalls and attractions including Armed Forces demonstrations and simulators, a military area, family zone, and a selection of food and drink. Carmarthenshire County Council services including Actif Sport and Leisure and the Llanelli Scarlets will also be in attendance.
The Military and Family Area will give visitors the chance to see real military vehicles up close, explore Armed Forces displays, speak with personnel, and take part in hands-on “have-a-go” activities.
To help visitors travel to the event, a free 16-seater shuttle bus service will run from Llanelli town centre (bus stop opposite the Town Hall) from 10am, running hourly until 3pm and from Burry Port town centre (Neptune Square, SA16 0EP) from 10:30am and run hourly until 3:30pm. Return journeys will operate throughout the day.
Kindly provided by Dolen Teifi and Links, a Llanelli-based mental health charity, the service will conclude after the closing ceremony, around 4:30pm, and will not operate during the evening concert.
Following the opening ceremony, the main stage will host a packed programme of entertainment throughout the day including an evening concert 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
The concert will feature music from Newshan as well as performances from former and current Loud Applause Rising Stars, including Lauren Williams, Liam J Edwards (S4C’s Y Llais finalist 2025), and headlined by West End performer Samuel Wyn Morris. With limited seating available, visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs.
Parking charges apply at Pembrey Country Park for those without an annual permit. Parking vouchers will be issued to serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Linda Evans, said:
“We look forward to welcoming the Armed Forces community, supporters, residents and visitors to Pembrey Country Park for Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026.
This family-friendly event promises a fantastic day out including a thrilling flypast and parachute display by the RAF Falcons, engaging activities and an evening of live entertainment.
As an authority we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder. Hosting Wales Armed Forces Day 2026 gives us the opportunity to celebrate the skills and resiliency that our Armed Forces bring to our workplace and our community.”
Organised by Carmarthenshire County Council, in partnership with the Welsh Government and the three armed services – the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force – as well as a range of supportive organisations. The event has also been part funded by Welsh Government and the Ministry of Defence, aiming to bring communities together to recognise and thank our Armed Forces.
For more information or to book a free ticket, visit the Discover Carmarthenshire website.
