Plans to mark Armed Forces Day 2025 with a ‘poignant’ military parade in Manchester this weekend have been revealed.
As the country prepares to honour Armed Forces Day – which is taking place this year on Saturday 28 June – and show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community across the country, Manchester has revealed how our city will mark the annual event this weekend.
Armed Forces Day sees Brits commemorate and celebrate those who are currently serving troops, their families, serving reservists, veterans, and cadets.
Manchester will also be paying tribute to the hundreds who have ‘fearlessly served’.
Manchester has revealed its plans to mark Armed Forces Day with a ‘poignant’ military parade / Credit: LCC | MoD
This year’s Armed Forces Day is particularly-special because it marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day) which happened on 8 May, and the upcoming Victory over Japan (VJ Day) on 15 August.
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Mancunians are expected to line the streets as a parade made up of armed forces personnel, veterans, and cadets will begin a procession that will proudly march together through the centre of Manchester – with the Lancashire Army Artillery Band officially signalling the event opening at 11am, followed by the vibrant parade starting in St Peter’s Square at 11:30am.
The free public event takes place in St Peter’s Square this Saturday 28 June / Credit: Mark Owens (via MoD on Flickr)
Lord Mayor Carmine Grimshaw will then lead an inspection with dignitaries, with other ‘esteemed guests’ set to be in attendance including the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
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The Deputy Lieutenant will give a speech at 11:50am, before the honorary celebrations then continue with an afternoon of live performances, again by the lively Lancashire Army Artillery Band, alongside music hosted by BBC Radio DJ, Michelle Dignan until 4pm.
Historic military displays, and stalls from organisations including the NHS, Royal British Legion, and Manchester City Council’s own Armed Forces Covenant, will also be in attendance on the day to give visitors the opportunity to further support the armed forces community beyond just Saturday itself.
This Armed Forces Week we want to thank veterans and serving members of the armed forces community across Manchester for their incredible sacrifice and service.
Get involved and share your message of thanks to family, friends or colleagues in the Armed Forces!
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 25, 2025
On the ground, history will come to life through a special pop-up Military Museum tent.
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Attendees can explore an engaging display of military vehicles, uniforms, artefacts, and personal stories that span the rich legacy of the British armed forces.
The Council hopes this immersive experience will offer a rare opportunity to connect with the past, understand the evolution of military service, and honour those who have shaped the nation’s history through their courage and commitment.
Armed Forces Day 2025 takes place on Saturday 28 June, with commemorations to begin in Manchester city centre from 11am.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
What's On
Major Christmas lights switch-on event announced at Manchester’s iconic Printworks
Daisy Jackson
Printworks has announced details of a major Christmas lights switch-on event, with celebrity guest Will Mellor.
Set to be the biggest switch-on event in Manchester city centre, the celebration will include a festive singalong and live entertainment, plus a 16ft digital tree and plenty more.
And as part of the wider festive celebrations at Printworks, there’ll be 25 prizes to be won all the way through December, including hotel stays and other goodies from the businesses based in the landmark building.
The Printworks Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on Saturday 29 November, kicking off at 4.30pm with a performance from the brilliant roaming brass band, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners.
Then there’ll be a family Christmas singalong at 5pm on Printworks’ interactive gaming screen, where Mancs can belt out classic Christmas hits together.
At 6pm, the almighty 16ft digital Christmas tree will be officially switched on by TV legend Will Mellor, along with a new festive display appearing overhead on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Printworks will host its Christmas Lights switch-on event in November. Credit: Jason Lock Photography
Expect to see Santa’s sleigh flying across the building, and Santa Claus himself pointing out passers-by and revealing if they’ve made the naughty or nice list.
The event will finish with a one-hour DJ set from Jack Clark to keep visitors in the festive spirit. Throughout December, visitors to Printworks can enter daily prize-draws at the digital Christmas tree, with big prizes up for grabs.
Daniel Davis, Centre Manager, said: “Families loved last year’s festive switch-on, which brought light to the city when the citywide celebration was cancelled. We’re thrilled to bring it back even bigger and brighter.
“With our incredible digital ceiling and new interactive features, we’re giving visitors a Christmas experience like no other full of music, magic and surprises.
“Our 16ft digital tree is something truly unique to Manchester, and with 25 prizes up for grabs throughout December, there’s a real reason to keep coming back. Whether you’re joining us for the switch-on or popping in for a festive meal or film, we can’t wait to celebrate with the community.”
The Christmas switch-on event at Printworks in Manchester
4.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
5pm – Family singalong
5.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
6pm – Christmas switch-on with Will Mellor
6.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
Luxury curling club and apres-ski bar to open in Manchester city centre
Daisy Jackson
A pop-up curling rink is set to open right beneath the skyscrapers in Manchester city centre this winter.
The Curling Club, already a top winter attraction down in London, has revealed plans to launch at the foot of the Deansgate Square towers later this month.
The alpine-themed winter village will be one of three across the UK, with two other Curling Clubs down in London.
As well as the state-of-the-art curling lanes, where Mancs can slide and shove their stones along the rink to giant bullseyes, there’ll be plenty more entertainment for the party season.
The Curling Club will bring apres-ski bars to the New Jackson district too, with DJs, dancers, and festive food.
Daren Whitaker, founder and chairman at Renaker – the developer behind The Curling Club at New Jackson’s site – said: “As the city centre’s first dedicated curling venue, the Curling Club will be an excellent addition to Manchester’s already strong competitive socialising scene.
“We are excited to be hosting The Curling Club in our New Jackson neighbourhood, bringing our residents together for a fun and unique experience and creating a lively destination for the wider community to enjoy.”
Luxury curling club and apres-ski bar to open in Manchester city centre. Credit: Justin De Souza
Trevor Bowers, chairman of The Curling Club, said: “This winter marks a milestone for The Curling Club as we expand to three incredible locations.
“Chelsea Winter Illuminations allows us to create something truly magical in a beautiful and adored area of London, while Manchester opens the door to new audiences, and Vinegar Yard gives us another exciting year in London Bridge. It’s our biggest and boldest season yet.”
Eve Muirhead, Olympic gold medallist and Team GB’s Chef de Mission, also returns as ambassador of The Curling Club, and will lend her experience and insider knowledge across all sites.
Tickets for The Curling Club Manchester are now on sale, with bookings available for groups between two and four people starting from £30 for 30 minutes – head HERE to get yours.
Emily Sergeant -
26th June 2025 
