Stagecoach has confirmed it will once again be supporting Armed Forces Day by offering free travel for military and ex-military personnel and cadets on all its bus services across the region.

Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday June, 24, and Stagecoach is providing free travel for the Saturday and Sunday, June 25 with events taking place around the county on both days.

On Saturday, June 24, in Workington there will be a meet and greet at 10am at Workington Royal British Legion, followed by the parade which will leave Pow Street at 11am and march to Vulcans Park for a service led by Rev Frankie Ward.

This year the parade, which is in its 14th year, will be marching behind the Isle of Cumbrae RBLS pipe band with parade marshal Sgt Ross Murphy of the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment.

In Carlisle on Saturday, June 24, the Armed Forces Day event, organised by Cumberland Council, will be held in the city centre between 10am and 4pm and will include representatives from organisations including the Cumbria Museum of Military Life, the Military Vehicles Trust, Devil’s Porridge Museum and the Royal British Legion.

It will also include live music provided by the Border Concert Band, and Carlisle mayor, Abdul Harid, will present a citation of appreciation to the armed forces at 3.30pm, which will be received by the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

As a show of appreciation for their hard work, bravery and commitment to serving our country, armed forces personnel (including ex-service people and cadets) wearing their uniform, carrying a military ID card and veterans wearing a veteran’s badge or medals will be entitled to ride for free on any Stagecoach bus. 

Rob Jones, managing director for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire said: “Our Armed Forces do an invaluable job, and we are immensely proud of their dedication and courage.

“We hope that personnel choosing to travel to a local event will have an enjoyable day and we are delighted to show our appreciation for their commitment to our country.”

In 2015, Stagecoach Group signed the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Corporate Covenant in support of the Armed Forces Community.

As a signatory of the Covenant, the company recognises the value of serving personnel; regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to both the country and businesses across the country.

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.