Liverpool to host Armed Forces Day 2017

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the ninth annual Armed Forces Day is set to be held in Liverpool.

Earl Howe, the Minister of State for Defence, made the announcement at Pier Head in Liverpool.

He said: “Liverpool has long and deep links to the Armed Forces, particularly the Royal Navy, and is well-known for hosting spectacular celebrations; we’re delighted to select it for Armed Forces Day 2017, building on the success of this year’s celebration in Cleethorpes.

“The city’s national event will be a fantastic focal point for the UK to come together to acknowledge the hard work and sacrifice of those that serve.”

Liverpool City Council will now develop its own plans and the event will be linked with the International Mersey River Festival, with linked family fun, music and entertainment taking place across the weekend of 24 and 25 June.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “We do scale, spectacle and storytelling better than any other UK city, and I am delighted that our reputation for staging events has once again received national recognition, and as a result we have been selected as the location to host this prestigious celebration.

“This day gives us the chance to recognise the role of the Armed Forces and thank all those men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.”