Suffolk Armed Forces Weekend – New Fund Created

Posted by Town Hall Staff 09 November 2017

As we approach Armistice Day, a new fund has been set up to support service personnel in this area. The fund has been created to provide a lasting legacy following the success of the Suffolk Armed Forces Weekend earlier this year. Thousands of people flocked to Felixstowe for a fun-filled weekend to celebrate Suffolk Armed Forces Weekend 2017 on 24 & 25 June.  As well as providing fun for all the family, the event had a serious side – recognising the huge contribution made by our servicemen and women, as well as marking the important 350th anniversary of the Dutch attack on Landguard Fort (which was the last time foreign forces launched an armed landing on English soil). 

Now the money that was raised through the event is being used to start up a new fund, which military charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants to benefit Armed Forces personnel, their families, veterans and cadet organisations that live, are stationed or operate in the Felixstowe and the Suffolk Coastal District area.  The organisers are particularly keen to hear from people who may need money to support events being organised to mark the centenary of WW1 next year (in 2018).

Please click here for details on our Grants page for details of the Armed Forces Weekend Legacy Grant Fund

“The Armed Forces Weekend was a fantastic event for the county of Suffolk, Suffolk Coastal District Council and the town of Felixstowe itself. The mix of historic reenactments, thanking our Armed Forces for their work and varied programme of entertainment for all the family was a great hit with everyone,” said Cllr TJ Haworth-Culf, Suffolk Coastal’s cabinet member with responsibility for Customers, Communities and Leisure.

“There was a great atmosphere in Felixstowe and the weekend really showcased what the resort has to offer. Now we are able to set up a fund to provide a legacy from the event to provide continued support for service personnel in the area.”

The Suffolk Armed Forces Weekend was a county event, hosted by Suffolk Coastal District Council and held in Felixstowe.  This was very much a community event, supported by a variety of organisations such as the Suffolk Armed Forces Community Covenant, Royal British Legion, Felixstowe Town Council, Suffolk County Council, Landguard Fort Trust and the Royal Marines Association, as well as Suffolk Coastal District Council. And this partnership working is continuing through to running the new fund. Felixstowe Town Council is taking the lead in administrating the fund, through its grants programme.

Mayor of Felixstowe, Cllr Nick Barber, said “Money was raised from a wide range of sources within the local community to stage the Armed Forces Weekend, so it is only fitting that it should be used to benefit, commemorate and celebrate armed forces groups in the area.”

“This is a great way to continue to thank our armed forces, past and present, and it is very appropriate that we should launch this ahead of Armistice Day, as we are particularly interested in supporting events being planned to commerate next year’s centenary of WWI.”

A sub-committee has been set up by the Town Council, to consider any applications received and applicants are encouraged to contact Felixstowe Town Hall for details of how to apply.