Record Protests Challenge UK Armed Forces Day Across Multiple Cities

Armed Forces Day 2025 saw widespread celebrations across the UK, with large-scale events in towns and cities such as Scarborough, Doncaster, and the Isle of Wight drawing thousands of attendees. Scarborough hosted a spectacular air display, military parades, and family activities under sunny skies, while Doncaster experienced a crowd of over 60,000 people enjoying parades and festivities in the city centre and Elmfield Park. The Isle of Wight's event featured military vehicle exhibitions, parachute displays by the Royal Navy and RAF Falcons, and a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, despite some cloud affecting the Red Arrows display. However, the day also saw a record number of protests across the UK, with campaigners criticizing Armed Forces Day for glorifying militarism and opposing the UK government's increasing military spending and foreign policies. Peace groups highlighted a threefold increase in demonstrations compared to 2024, with activities aimed at challenging the portrayal of the armed forces as entertainment. These protests echoed similar sentiments expressed by activists in the US, reflecting growing public debate over militarism and its cultural representation.