A flag-raising ceremony is set to mark the start of Armed Forces Week later this month.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Jacky Tustain will lead the borough's tribute to the armed forces on Monday 22 June 2026 from 10am outside the Civic Offices by War Memorial Park. Residents and members of the armed forces community, including cadets, serving personnel and veterans, are invited to attend the service.

The event has been organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in partnership with the Basingstoke, Overton and District Royal British Legion. There will be a one-minute silence, followed by a service led by Padre Charles Lewis, Chaplain of the Thames Valley Wing of the Air Cadet Organisation. The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised by the Mayor and will fly all week leading up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June. 

Armed Forces Week is a chance to publicly thank the armed forces community, including past and present service personnel, cadets and reserves, for their dedication and bravery. Reserves Day will be marked on Wednesday 24 June to recognise those who balance civilian life with a military career.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Jacky Tustain said: “Raising the Armed Forces flag to mark the start of Armed Forces Week is a great opportunity to demonstrate our support and respect for those who serve in the Army, Navy and Air Force, their families and the wider armed forces community.

"I would love to see as many people as possible attend the service and join us in publicly thanking them for their dedication and bravery.”

For more information on the event go to www.basingstoke.gov.uk/armed-forces-day