Andover Armed Forces Day has been cancelled for 2026, with organisers instead turning their focus towards building a larger and better-supported event for 2027.
The announcement was made by lead organiser Richard Rowles, who described the decision as one taken “with real regret” after a series of personal and organisational challenges made it impossible to deliver the event to the standard expected by the Armed Forces community.
In a statement issued this week, organisers confirmed that a new community workgroup is now being formed to oversee preparations for the 2027 event, with representatives from local organisations, charities and military groups being invited to take part.
Mr Rowles said the decision had not been made lightly, explaining that members of the organising team had faced a number of difficult personal circumstances in recent months.
“Our organising team is a small, committed group of people who pour a great deal of themselves into this event each year,” he said.
“Sadly, over recent months we have been hit hard by life. Several of us have experienced serious personal bereavements.”
Mr Rowles also revealed that his father’s funeral is taking place this week. His father had served in the Royal Engineers and had been proud of the family’s 14-year involvement with Andover Armed Forces Day.
In addition to bereavements, organisers said several team members are either recovering from or preparing for significant surgical procedures, while this year’s National Armed Forces Day event in nearby Aldershot had also affected the availability of support and resources.
Mr Rowles admitted the cancellation had been a painful decision but said organisers were determined not to stage an event that fell short of expectations.
“I’ve learnt in life that sometimes when you get a few hard punches you just have to stay on the canvas and fight another day,” he said.
“Rather than rush an event that would not do justice to the serving personnel, veterans, families and organisations who support it, we are choosing to use 2026 to build the foundations for a bigger and better day in 2027.”
The organisers confirmed that planning for 2027 has already begun, with a working group established to help spread responsibility and ensure no single person becomes the “single point of failure” for an event considered important to the local community.
Invitations have already been extended to organisations including the Ministry of Defence, the Royal British Legion and local veterans charities.
Mr Rowles thanked supporters, volunteers, sponsors and residents for their continued backing of the event over the years.
“None of that goodwill is wasted,” he said. “Andover’s respect for its armed forces community is undimmed. We will mark it properly next year.”
Organisers have also invited anyone interested in helping with the 2027 event to come forward and join the planning process.