MP Melanie Onn in 'Commons plea for 2026 return of National Armed Forces Day to Cleethorpes

                                                                     

Melanie Onn - looking ahead to 2026

GREAT Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has issued a ' Commons plea for National Armed Forces Day to be held in Cleethorpes in 2026.

And she wants it to start on the "somewhat overlooked" North Promenade.

Except during the pandemic, Armed Forces Day has been a feature of the town's summer calendar - but Cleethorpes has not staged the national event since 2016.

Speaking on Thursday, she declared:  "Each year, 300,000 people come to Cleethorpes for our Armed Forces Day. 

"Can the Leader of the House advise me how I can best communicate to the Ministry of Defence how much we would appreciate it if National Armed Forces Day in 2026 could be held in Cleethorpes? 

"It will be the 10-year anniversary of the last time it was held there.

"Perhaps we could extend Armed Forces Day to start at the wonderful but somewhat overlooked North Prom."

In response, the Leader of the Commons, Lucy Powell (who is MP for Manchester Central), sounded a positive note.  

"I did not know that so many people come to Cleethorpes for Armed Forces Day," she replied. "It sounds like a real occasion."

"I will certainly make sure that the Ministry of Defence hears my hon. Friend’s plea. 

"Cleethorpes sounds like a very good place for National Armed Forces Day in 2026."                                           

Lucy Powell: 'Cleethorpes sounds like a very good place' 

                                            

'Wonderful but somewhat overlooked' - North Promenade