In preparation for this coming Sunday, set to be a day of celebration and commemoration of Walsall’s armed forces and uniformed services, the council proudly raised the official Armed Forces Day flag.

The ceremony was led by the Deputy Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Jim Parsons, who raised the Armed Forces flag during a short civic service.

“ It has been an honour to raise the Armed Forces Day flag on behalf of Walsall Council. Armed Forces Day is a day to recognise the ultimate sacrifices made by so many, in order that we can enjoy the freedom we all have today. “

Deputy Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Jim Parsons
Walsall Council

“ This year, our annual flag raising ceremony forms just one part of our celebrations for the local Armed Forces community.

“As well as showing our appreciation with a small civic service outside the Council House, we are also hosting Walsall’s first official Armed Forces Day event on Sunday 28 June 2026.

“These celebrations will bring together communities across Walsall to commemorate all those who have served, and those actively serving in our armed forces, and of course, their loved ones and families. We hope it will also provide information and inspiration for young people who are interested in joining the Armed Forces in the future. “

Councillor Pete Sutton, Armed Forces Champion
Walsall Council

Joining the Deputy Mayor in raising the Armed Forces Day flag included Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Elaine Williams, Walsall’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Pete Sutton, Deputy Lieutenant Jat Sharma DL, principal of Walsall College, Mayor’s cadet, DL’s cadet, senior council officers, cadets, other elected members of the council, and various local partner agencies and community veterans’ groups.

This weekend, the council, in partnership with Short Heath Lest We Forget CIC, is hosting the borough’s first official Armed Forces Day event. Join in the celebrations on Sunday 28 June 2026 between 11am and 4pm in the Walsall Arboretum Extension (Broadway North, Walsall, WS1 2QB).

The day out will include:

• Representatives from the West Midlands Lieutenancy
• Display of military vehicles
• Food and refreshment stalls
• Funfair rides and inflatables 
• Information stands and activities from military charities and organisations
• Live music and entertainment from local artists
• Military parade (taking place at 12pm) of serving personnel, cadets, veterans and standard bearers
• West Midlands Fire Service engines
• West Midlands Police horses, police dogs and trainee police pups
• Bleed kit demonstrations – showing lifesaving skills on how to stop or stem catastrophic bleed injuries as a bystander on scene until emergency services arrive
• Automatic defibrillator (AED) demonstrations
• A range of other interactive activities for all ages

The event is free entry, offers free parking and free arts and crafts. Prices apply for some of the activities and for food and drink.

Find out more about the exciting day out on Walsall Council's website 

For more information on Short Heath Lest We Forget CIC, visit the organisation's website