By Isle of Wight Observer
sle of Wight Armed Forces Day aims high, to deliver excellence. It’s what the armed forces community deserves and is what this event strives towards. When I first took this on, I had no real idea that it would become what it is now. In 2023 the reality is it was a couple of chaps, joined by some friends pitching in on the day! In 2025, with the support and input of many others, this Island event is now playing out on the international stage.
There are many challenges, but one of the big ones was getting it back to the core of what the event exists for. Which is to say “Thank you” to those that make up the armed forces community here on the Island – some 16,000 people. As the IW Council’s Armed Forces Champion and chairman of the Civil Military Partnership, over the last four years I have gleaned incredible insight into the make-up of this wonderful community.
It’s a powerful celebration that unites generations in honouring the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of our service personnel. From young cadets just beginning their journey, to proud veterans who have dedicated their lives to duty – this day brings together all ages in shared respect and gratitude. No better example of that was the two parachute display’s salutes. One taken by the Vice-Lord Lieutenant, Brigadier Maurice Sheen. The other by some very smiley, excited children!
The underpinning message has always been saying thanks and showing support for cadets, veterans, reservists, serving members and their families. Now at year three, I think we are there. Which means there is another huge goal in sight! There have been mini-goals from the outset, and one was to secure the Red Arrows, which – by luck or design – has happened twice now. I said on stage that another personal goal was for the Island to host the National Event.
It would have been arrogant and utterly ridiculous before, but this year was defining. We estimate just shy of 10,000 people along the Ryde sands, when the Reds were flying – probably more, as we couldn’t see around the corners! There was a continuous tick-over in the thousands across the day, resulting in an uplift for all those engaged. I’m of the opinion that we now have enough experience and skilful resources to have a crack at the big one. So (as an exclusive for the IW Observer) I can tell you that is what I am looking at now, to bid for the National Event. The team has expanded, with their roles developing, adopting the mantra of adapt, improvise, and overcome! The event has grown; we have grown; we are ready.
‘Seize the nettle’, ‘grasp the sword’ – call it what you will. The Isle of Wight, with its deep military heritage, welcoming communities, and stunning coastal backdrop, is the perfect stage for the national Armed Forces Day event. Its unique position allows us to deliver incredible attractions and entertainment, on land, sea and air. The golden sands of Ryde make an enviable backdrop, for what is a FREE, family-friendly celebration, that inspires and educates.
The Island is awash with military history and it’s the ideal location for the National Event. An event which is a fitting tribute to the past, present, and future of our armed forces. It won’t be easy but nothing worthwhile is. We won’t know until later whether it’s across the line, but rest assured, the goal is to secure the National for the Island. There is a team ‘wash up’, to shake this year’s tree, then it’s ‘best boots forward’ for the future.
It’s what the Armed Forces Community deserves, and the biggest failing would be not to try!