Local events and community support

Are you pension aware?

As pension awareness week comes to a close, find free information and help sheets at Armed Forces Pension Awareness 2026 - Forces Pension Society

Tell the school by 1 October

Did you know that by letting your child's School know they are a service child, the school can apply for additional Service Pupil Premium funding of £360 that can be used directly to help your child settle or for any other needs they may have? They can only claim this additional annual funding if they have been informed by parents of their service ahead of the submission of their school census on 1 October 2026. Further information can be found on the .gov website at https://aff.org.uk/advice/education-childcare/service-pupil-premium/ and Service pupil premium - GOV.UK

National Cadets week 5-11 October

Mon 5 Oct - official launch and promotion of cadets opportunities.
Tue 6 Oct - cadets in the community, celebrating cadets contributions to local communities, schools, charities and veterans.
Wed 7 Oct - volunteer celebration, recognising the contribution of adult volunteers.
Thu 8 Oct - 'Cadets Save Lives', highlighting first aid, emergency response and lifesaving skills.
Fri 9 Oct - Skills for Life, showcasing leadership, teamwork, confidence, qualifications and employability skills.
Sat 10 Oct - Cadet open day, opening doors to families, schools, employers and local communities.
Sun 11 Oct - Celebration Day reflecting on the achievements and impact of cadets and volunteers.

Do you have a cadet or cadet instructor story to share? Let us know at armedforcescovenant@milton-keynes.gov.uk

For ideas and help, use the official National Cadet Week Employer Toolkit; National Cadets Week 2026 - Get Involved. The Ministry of Defence are also encouraging organisations who are holding events through this week to register them on the events link here.

Free tickets to MK Dons Vs Doncaster - 31 October

Armed Forces family friendly match at MK Stadium. Free tickets for veterans, reservists, those serving and close family members. Apply for tickets here.

Remembrance events

8 November 2026

New Bradwell, 13:45 - 14:45 hrs - parade and wreath laying ceremony at The Clock Tower, New Bradwell MK13 0BN.
Newport Pagnell, from 10:30 - 12:30 hrs - annual remembrance parade and service at 80 High Street, Newport Pagnell MK16 8AQ.
West Bletchley, from 10:30 hrs - annual parade from Bletchley Park to St Mary's Church war memorial for wreath laying with refreshments and war grave information at the church afterwards.

11 November 2026

Campbell Park, MK Rose 11:00 hrs - armistice day observance and 2 min silence.

Prostate Cancer testing at local centre - Sunday 15 November

If you are 40+ you can get a simple PSA blood test that could identify the early signs of prostate cancer. Early detection may mean better treatment options and outcomes. Pre-book your place here to get tested for £26 at Windmill Hill Golf Club, Tattenhoe Lane, Bletchley MK3 7RB - please note walk-ins are not accepted.

Armed Forces monthly walk in sessions

Our Armed Forces Hub events provide a welcoming space where members of the Armed Forces community can:

meet and connect with others
access free advice and support
learn about local services and organisations.

Sessions take place at the Blue Light Hub, Ashland.

View the 2026 event schedule. Travel assistance is available on request.

Celebrating two years of support

In July 2026, we marked the second anniversary of the Armed Forces Walk-In at the Blue Light Hub, welcoming attendees from the Armed Forces community and partner organisations.

Veterans' breakfast clubs

Looking to meet other veterans in an informal setting?

Veterans' breakfast clubs take place regularly across the area and offer an opportunity to socialise, share experiences and access local support.

See the Armed Forces Support Directory for locations and further details.

Cadet Forces expansion: funding announced

The Government has announced new funding to help increase cadet numbers by 30% by 2030.

This investment aims to provide more young people with access to the valuable opportunities, skills and experiences that cadet organisations offer.

Find out more about the funding programme

Could you volunteer?

Cadet units are always looking for enthusiastic adult volunteers.

If you'd like to make a difference to young people's lives, contact your local cadet group or visit:

https://adultvolunteer.org/

Share your Cadet story in Cadet Link magazine

Does your cadet unit have a story, achievement, event or success worth celebrating? We'd love it to feature it in the next edition of Cadet Link magazine. Send your stories and photos to se-media@rfca.mod.uk

You can also read the latest edition via:

Horsa Squadron granted Freedom to Parade

In July 2026, 261 (Horsa) Squadron, 158 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps proudly exercised its Freedom of the City by marching through the streets of Milton Keynes. This ceremonial honour was awarded by Milton Keynes City Council in March, recognising the Regiment's longstanding connection with the city.

We're proud to support those who serve.

Milton Keynes retains Gold Employer Recognition Award

Milton Keynes City Council has once again achieved the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award, recognising its continued commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

Following a rigorous validation process, the Council was presented with its official certification on 24 February 2026.

Veteran ID cards

Have You Applied for Yours?

The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card provides official proof of military service and can help veterans access support and services more easily.

Applying is free.

You'll Need:

Your service number from your most recent period of service
Your National Insurance number
The approximate years you started and finished service
A recent passport-style digital photograph

Apply for a Veteran Card

Applications can only be completed online when applying on your own behalf. Applications for someone else must be made by post.

Visit Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park is a vibrant heritage attraction and museum. It was the home of British World War Two code-breaking; a place where technological innovation and human endeavour came together to make ground breaking achievements that have helped shape the world we live in today.

This unique site was previously a vast Victorian estate, where parts including the Mansion still survive, expanding during wartime to accommodate Code-breakers Huts and Blocks.

During World War Two, the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), now known as the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), was based at Bletchley Park. It grew from a small team of specialists to a vast intelligence factory of thousands of dedicated women and men. This extraordinary combination of brilliant and determined people and cutting-edge technology contributed significantly to Allied victory. In tough conditions, they provided vital intelligence and developed pioneering technological innovation that had a direct and profound influence on the outcome of the war.

There are many events throughout the year celebrating the contributions of the Armed Forces community.

The site continues to reveal secrets and tell fascinating stories of our national legacy. For more information see the Bletchley Park website or telephone 01908 272673.

Event management

Hosting a remembrance event in Milton Keynes? Please email communications@milton-keynes.gov.uk and tell us about it. We are happy to list events taking place across MK on this webpage.

Request a temporary road closure

Hosting a street party or picnic with family, friends and neighbours or a public event? You'll need to request a temporary road closure - click here to read more about temporary road closures. If you are organising a street party and need a road to be closed, please contact streetworks@milton-keynes.gov.uk. It's important roads are closed formally and emergency services and transport operators are given ample notice for safety reasons.

You will also need to:

send us any copies of letters issued to local residents and businesses.
maintain access for emergency vehicles at all times.
ensure access to and from people’s properties is allowed at all times.

Funding for events

Find out about applying for community event funding at Home | The National Lottery Community Fund

Mayoral attendance

If you would like to request that the Mayor of MK attends your event, please complete the online Mayoral Engagement Application Form.

Armed Forces community updates