Sheffield Armed Forces and Veterans Day 2025, scheduled for June 21, honors the outstanding contributions of military personnel past and present with a parade, ceremonies, and activities in the city center, while the newly opened Best Western Sheffield City Hotel offers modern riverfront accommodation perfectly positioned for visitors attending this meaningful celebration.
Sheffield Armed Forces Day Schedule
Sheffield’s Armed Forces and Veterans Day 2025 will take place on Saturday, June 21, a week before the national Armed Forces Day (June 28) to allow veterans and service personnel to attend both celebrations. The day will honor the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a full schedule of activities in the city center.
The event opens at 10:00 AM with information stands, catering, and children’s activities. At 11:30 AM, participants will form up for the parade, which begins at 11:55 AM. The ceremony will include a trooping of the colors outside Town Hall, followed by displays on Fargate featuring veterans, current personnel, and young cadets in uniform. Visitors to Sheffield for the event can take advantage of free travel on South Yorkshire’s Supertram, which supports both Sheffield and Rotherham’s Armed Forces Day celebrations.
Veterans Parade Route Map
The Veterans Parade for Sheffield Armed Forces Day 2025 will begin at Duke Street at 11:55 AM, proceeding through the city center before culminating at the Town Hall for the trooping of the colors ceremony. Participants will initially form up at 11:30 AM, with veterans, military personnel, cadets, and supporting organizations assembling in formation before the official step-off.
The parade route will showcase hundreds of participants including Veterans, Cadets, Regular and Reserve Forces, Display Teams, and potentially mounted units, similar to previous years’ celebrations. Spectators are encouraged to line the route, particularly along Fargate where the best viewing opportunities will be available. For those attending from out of town, the Best Western Sheffield City Hotel provides convenient accommodation with easy access to the parade route and subsequent festivities at Fargate and Town Hall.
Free Transport for Military Personnel
South Yorkshire’s transport providers are offering free travel for Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and cadets on Sheffield Armed Forces Day (June 21) and National Armed Forces Day (June 28, 2025). Supertram will provide complimentary journeys across their network on both dates for eligible individuals.
To qualify for free travel, passengers must present one of the following: Ministry of Defence-issued ID card (MOD90), Veterans’ Badge or ID card, military uniform, or any official documentation proving their status. First Bus is also participating in this initiative, extending free travel to those attending Armed Forces Day events. This gesture of appreciation continues a tradition of support from local transport operators, who offer similar concessions during Remembrance weekend events. Despite construction works affecting the Tram Train service between Meadowhall South and Rotherham Parkgate from 5pm on June 21, free travel will still be honored on replacement bus services.
Where to Stay: Best Western Sheffield City Hotel
Conveniently located near the city center and the River Don, the Best Western Sheffield City Hotel is the ideal base for visitors attending Armed Forces Day events. The hotel features:
- Modern, stylish guest rooms with smart TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and workspace
- River views and easy access to the parade route
- A relaxed on-site bar and restaurant offering local fare
- Close proximity to tram and bus links, including free Armed Forces Day travel options
With its welcoming staff and central location, the hotel is well-suited for both veterans returning to Sheffield and guests visiting to pay tribute. Advance booking is recommended due to high demand around the celebration dates.
