Scarborough’s spectacular Armed Forces Day will have an added poignancy this summer as it is staged during the year that the nation commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day, our chief executive has said. The event is hosted by ourselves as part of the our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and takes place 100 days from today (March 20). While Armed Forces Day takes place on 28 June, the actual anniversary of Victory in Europe Day – which saw the Allies accept Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War Two – will be marked a month earlier on 8 May. However, this year’s Armed Forces Day will have an added resonance, especially as the county is home to so many members of the services. North Yorkshire has more than 12,000 people who work for the Ministry of Defence and 3,000 children from service families in schools. Our chief executive, Richard Flinton, said: “It is a privilege to host Armed Forces Day in Scarborough, especially during the year that the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day. “As well as providing spectacular entertainment for all those gathered, it also presents an opportunity for us to reflect on the incredible sacrifices made by men and women to secure the freedoms we can often take for granted. “Being home to Catterick Garrison and the likes of RAF Leeming, all who live and work in North Yorkshire know the invaluable role played by those who serve in our Armed Forces, and it is fitting that we pay tribute to them in this way.” Thousands of people are expected to gather at Scarborough’s South Bay in June and preparations are well underway. The free event will see the skies above graced by a variety of thrilling aerobatic displays. The highlight will be an appearance by the world-famous Red Devils parachute display team. An elite unit of the Parachute Regiment, the Red Devils showcase the immense capabilities of the Army’s paratroopers to audiences across the world, performing more than 350 tandem skydives and 60 parachute displays every year. Further attractions will be announced in coming weeks, plus there will also be colourful parades, land-based displays, musical performances and family activities. Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day will be sponsored by the Skipton Building Society. The society’s chief executive, Stuart Haire, said: “Skipton Building Society is proud to be sponsoring this year’s Armed Forces Day in Scarborough. As proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, we recognise the invaluable contribution made to our country by service personnel, veterans and their families. "Since 1853, Skipton Building Society has been committed to looking after the people and communities we serve, and Scarborough remains an important part of our network. We look forward to being a part of this important annual event for the town and sharing it with the people of Scarborough and thousands of visitors.”

GRAMMY- Award winning artist, actor and multifaceted entertainer, Will Smith announces his upcoming “Based on a True Story” Summer Tour. Smith will visit major cities throughout Morocco, Europe, and the United Kingdom. He is set to perform at multiple International festivals, including Mawazine in Morocco, POSITIV Festival in France, Dreambeach in Spain & BIG ART Festival in Italy. Will Smith’s headlining shows kick off on July 13th in Hamburg, Germany before hitting Frankfurt, Scarborough, Cardiff, Manchester, London, Paris & more. Get Pre-Sale tickets for WILL SMITH at Scarborough HERE from 19th March. The “Based on a True Story” Tour announcement comes on the heels of Will Smith’s first full-length album in 20 years, Based on a True Story, which is set for release March 28th. These live shows will see him performing songs from the new album along with his classic hits including “Jiggy Wit It,” “Miami,” “Summertime” and more. The 14-track album will feature a variety of collaborators including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Talor, & Jac Ross. Previously released singles “First Love,” “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art,” and “You Can Make It,” will be included. Recently, Will Smith hit No.1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart with “You Can Make It” featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir- listen HERE. This marks Will’s first #1 single since Get Jiggy With It, topping both the rap and gospel charts. Smith debuted "You Can Make It" at the 2024 BET Awards. The powerful performance found him standing in a large fire pit surrounded by real flames. Will Smith also recently made an appearance at the 2025 GRAMMY Awards to present the tribute to his longtime mentor Quincy Jones.