Taunton’s BIGGEST FREE Fun Day for all the family in Vivary Park.
This year’s Somerset Armed Forces Day on Sat 1 July 2023 attracted the largest attendance ever – 31,000+ people were welcomed to Vivary Park.
From the main gates of the park, we looked down the High Street to see a constant stream of people walking up to the event. It was fantastic to see so many people smiling and chatting together. One of the things we are most proud of is the fact that the event is FREE for all to attend. This meant everyone was welcome. Grandparents, young families, babies, even the well-behaved family dog was there! Truly it was something for everyone. Completely inclusive in every way.
We were blessed with perfect weather for the day too. This meant we could go ahead with our opening ceremony and enjoyed the RLC Silver Stars parachute display team. They jumped from a hovering helicopter and landed exactly on target in our Arena! It was spectacular to see. The perfect start to the day. On stage our Chairman Ed Cullen said a few words and introduced the leaders of Somerset and Taunton Councils –Bill Revans and Tom Deakin. They both spoke proudly about our County Town hosting such a fantastic event.
The organising committee have worked hard putting the show together. A small team of less than ten people who offer their time voluntarily. We couldn’t do any of this without a fantastic bunch of volunteer helpers, mostly veterans and members of Taunton Veterans Breakfast Club, held monthly at Vivary Golf Club. They are a mixture of all the armed forces, Navy, Army, Airforce etc. They are a fantastic group of people who understand what it felt like to be in war situations and are so supportive of each other. Offering help to each other.
Some of the messages we have received from the public have made all the effort worthwhile.
“Was a fabulous turnout and you guys arranged a brilliant days fun for all the people! Really well done ”
“Well done to you all, for providing an absolutely fabulous day for everyone of the 31,000 attendees.
Looking forward to next year already.”
“Was an excellent day, my 11 yr old son said at the end of the day “ why can’t it be done more often” and that’s from a boy who doesn’t really like crowds and noise….well done the organisers
Also I think this day bridges a gap between the older generation and younger plus the history, just a great all round family day”
The Somerset Armed Forces Day committee are incredibly grateful to all our sponsors. Especially Somerset Council, Taunton Council.
We will be looking for Sponsorship of SAFD24 and are putting together some packages to tempt businesses to get involved. A chance for their businesses to be seen by many thousands of people on the day. More importantly, be involved from the beginning and take advantage of our Marketing activities, Website, social media.
Please email [email protected] if you would like to be considered.
Look out for further updates across our social media and website. www.somersetarmedforcesday.com
SATURDAY 6 JULY 2024!
Next year’s event! Pop it in your diaries!
Images on our Facebook Page – facebook.com/SomersetArmedForcesDay
