What an incredible Armed Forces Week!
From flag raisings and networking events to youth engagement, remembrance, community breakfasts, parades and celebrations, Armed Forces Community HQ CIC was honoured to be at the heart of activities across Greater Manchester, Cheshire East and the wider North West.
As an organisation, we are immensely proud to serve our Armed Forces community every single day. Armed Forces Week gives us a special opportunity to celebrate those who serve, those who have served, reservists, cadets, military families and the incredible organisations and volunteers who stand beside them throughout the year.
A Week That Began with Pride
Our Armed Forces Week started with two fantastic flag raising ceremonies.
In Wigan, representatives from Wigan Council, local veterans and Armed Forces Community HQ gathered in Believe Square to proudly raise the Armed Forces Day flag, an important moment of reflection and appreciation for the entire Armed Forces community.
Meanwhile, in Macclesfield, we proudly delivered our very first Community Connect Session, bringing together members of the local Armed Forces community before joining Cheshire East Council’s official flag raising ceremony at Macclesfield Town Hall.
Following the ceremony, we welcomed over 40 guests for refreshments, conversation and networking, creating new connections and strengthening existing ones across the local Armed Forces network.
Action-Packed Wednesday
Wednesday was one of our busiest days of the week!
The day began with an adrenaline-fuelled track day at Three Sisters Circuit, delivered alongside our Forces Wellbeing Collective partners, Mission Motorsport, giving veterans and members of the Armed Forces community a fantastic opportunity to enjoy motorsport while supporting wellbeing and recovery.
The celebrations continued into the evening with a brilliant NAAFI Night at The Brick Stadium with our awesome partners Wigan Athletic Community Trust.
Guests enjoyed traditional pie, peas and gravy while hearing an inspirational talk from Andy Reid MBE from the Standing Tall Foundation. Andy shared his remarkable journey, speaking passionately about resilience, collaboration, believing in yourself and supporting others to achieve their goals.
A First for the Borough – The Youth Cadet Expo
One of the week’s standout moments was undoubtedly our first-ever Youth Cadet Expo.
Bringing together cadets from the Army, Navy, RAF, Police, Fire and local schools, alongside parents, carers and community organisations, the event celebrated everything that makes our youth organisations so special.
Visitors discovered the many benefits of joining the cadets, veterans signed up to our six-month digital skills and technology course, and families had the chance to ask questions, meet unit leaders and explore new opportunities.
The evening’s highlight was our very own Cadet Dragons’ Den Challenge, where three cadet units pitched ideas to improve opportunities for young people.
The ideas included:
- A monthly SEND Cadet Experience Day.
- New equipment to support Duke of Edinburgh Award activities.
- A community open day focused on supporting local veterans.
The judging panel faced an impossible decision because every idea deserved recognition, so every team walked away as winners, sharing the £500 prize fund.
Special thanks also go to Mike Hamilton, for his expertise in delivering amazing outcomes for young peopleWigan Council, particularly Nicola Rigby, Nicola Lowe, Councillor Martyn Smethurst and Jo Willmott, whose support helped make the event such a success.
If every local authority worked together in this way, communities across the UK would undoubtedly be even stronger.
National Recognition on the Biggest Stage
Armed Forces Week became even more special when Armed Forces Community HQ CIC was recognised on the national stage as a finalist in the Advocate of the Year category at the prestigious 2026 British Forces in Business Awards.
Often described as the “Oscars of veteran employment”, the awards celebrate the individuals and organisations making an outstanding contribution to the Armed Forces community across the UK. To be shortlisted as a finalist was an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone connected with AFCHQ.
The nomination recognised our commitment to championing veterans, serving personnel, reservists, military families and carers through joined-up, person-centred support across Greater Manchester, Cheshire East, the North West and beyond. It reflects the passion of our staff, volunteers and partners who work tirelessly every day to ensure no member of the Armed Forces community is left behind.
Representing Armed Forces Community HQ at the prestigious gala evening at Grosvenor House, London, were Leanneand Lisa, who made the journey to the capital in the sweltering summer heat for a fantastic evening celebrating the very best of Armed Forces talent, leadership and business. Looking absolutely stunning in their ball gowns, they proudly represented our organisation among some of the UK’s leading employers, veterans and advocates.
While we didn’t bring home the trophy this year, simply standing alongside so many inspirational finalists was an achievement in itself. Being recognised on such a national platform reinforces that the work taking place across our region is making a genuine difference and inspires us to continue building opportunities for our Armed Forces community.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. We are incredibly proud to have been part of such an inspiring celebration of excellence.
Friday Breakfasts and Weekend Celebrations
Friday morning saw another hugely successful NAAFI Breakfast at Molyneux House, bringing together veterans, partners and members of the Armed Forces community for good conversation, support and friendship.
Saturday continued the celebrations as we proudly took part in the Wigan Armed Forces Parade and Marketplace Event, joining hundreds of local residents in recognising the contribution of our Armed Forces community.
At the same time, we were delighted to sponsor the fantastic Crewe Armed Forces Weekend at Queens Park.
The organisers, volunteers, charities, community groups, cadet organisations, military personnel, exhibitors and sponsors all worked tirelessly to deliver an unforgettable weekend.
A particular highlight was the spectacular RAF flypasts, which left crowds amazed and created memories that will last for years to come.
Remembering Together
As Armed Forces Week concluded, attention turned towards remembrance with the moving production of Cheshire East Reflects – The Somme: 110 Years On at Crewe Lyceum.
Through music, drama, dance and powerful storytelling, the production honoured the sacrifices made by local soldiers and families during the First World War, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations.
Thank You
None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication shown by our partners, local authorities, charities, veterans’ organisations, cadet forces, volunteers, businesses, sponsors and community groups.
To every individual who organised an event, served refreshments, marched in a parade, volunteered their time, raised a flag, shared a story or simply turned up to show support, we salute you.
You worked your socks off, and our Armed Forces community is stronger because of your commitment.
At Armed Forces Community HQ CIC, we remain incredibly proud to stand alongside our Armed Forces community across Greater Manchester, Cheshire East and the entire North West.
Armed Forces Week may only last seven days, but our commitment lasts all year round.
Thank you for making Armed Forces Week 2026 one to remember. We look forward to continuing to serve, support and strengthen our Armed Forces community every day.