THOUSANDS of people attended Somerset Armed Forces Day 2025, which was held today (July 5).
It is the fifth Somerset Armed Forces Day to have taken place since the event was founded in 2019.
Despite the cloudy weather and the unfortunate cancellation of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, much of Vivary Park was packed with visitors who showed their support for the British armed forces and their veteran community.
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Meet the team behind Somerset Armed Forces Day 2025
Somerset Armed Forces Day 2025 returns to Taunton in July
The event was officially opened at 10am by Cllr Mike Best, Chair of Somerset Council.
Speaking about the event, Cllr Best said: “Today gives everybody a chance to come and meet and to have a word with both our military services and blue light services, which play an enormous role in our country.”
Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, was in attendance and said it was “great to be back with the Army Cadets” helping at the event. “This event brings our community together for those who put their lives at risk for our country. It’s really important that we strengthen the links to support them.”
Visitors were serenaded throughout the day by a chorus of military-inspired music from the likes of Chrystal Bliss, the Liberty Sisters and the Taunton Military Wives Choir.
In the main arena, large crowds gathered for performances by Paul Hanham Quadbikes, and earlier in the day, the Sea Cadets. Humour was provided in the form of the Rebel Legion – with Darth Vader and his crew – and Roger Blighty, the wannabe pilot with his detailed scale model biplane, Betsy Blue.
Speaking about the event, Retired Major Ed Cullen, Director and Chairman of Somerset Armed Forces Day, said: “It’s a free to attend for all of the community. It’s not just about the armed forces; it’s about all services… everyone who comes together to keep our country safe. This is run by a team I have of eight volunteers, we don’t have any paid members of staff in our team.”
He added: “I’d also like to thank all the people who have attended and sponsored us. We have Taunton Town Council who supply funds to us to make this day happen, and Somerset Council who actually give us the park for free because it’s a free event. So without them, this show wouldn’t happen. Last year, we had 36,000 people through the gates; this year, we hope we’ll exceed that.”
Leader of Taunton Town Council, Cllr Tom Deakin, who was also in attendance, spoke of the importance of the event for the town: “I think that we are a town to be proud of, and I think days like today are a key reason for that. So, thank you for helping to put Taunton on the map in hosting such an amazing day.”
“We have such deep connections with our armed forces, with our emergency services community, and I think it’s wonderful that the community comes together on days like today to show our support for all that they do, all that they give, and all that they will do to support our community and our country”, Cllr Deakin commented.
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