Armed Forces Day Parade To March Through Edinburgh This Weekend
Edinburgh will mark Armed Forces Day with a city centre parade from George Street to St Andrew Square on Saturday 27 June.
The event is open to the public and will include serving personnel, veterans, military bands, live music, charity stalls and refreshments.
Edinburgh’s Armed Forces Day parade will take place on Saturday 27 June 2026, with celebrations starting at 10.30am in the city centre.
The parade will form up at Charlotte Square, outside Bute House, before moving along George Street and finishing at St Andrew Square. Around 300 to 500 serving personnel and veterans are expected to take part.
Live music and entertainment will continue in St Andrew Square until around 2.30pm, so people heading into town on Saturday should expect a busier than usual George Street and St Andrew Square area.
What’s Happening On Saturday
The parade is due to step off from Charlotte Square at 10.30am, following a route along the south carriageway of George Street.
It will pass the Assembly Rooms before arriving at St Andrew Square, where there will be a short address and a programme of live entertainment.
The event will include military bands, veterans, supporters, charity stalls and refreshments. It is being hosted by BFBS broadcaster Mark McKenzie.
Key Details At A Glance
| Event | Edinburgh Armed Forces Day |
| Date | Saturday 27 June 2026 |
| Parade start | 10.30am |
| Main route | Charlotte Square to St Andrew Square via George Street |
| Finish time | Around 2.30pm |
| Main location | St Andrew Square |
| Entry | Free public event |
Parade Route And Timings
The official event listing says the parade will form up outside Bute House at Charlotte Square from 10am.
The parade is due to step off at 10.30am, travel along George Street and arrive at St Andrew Square shortly before 11am.
Indicative timings include:
- 10.00am: parade forms up at Charlotte Square
- 10.15am: charity stalls open in St Andrew Square
- 10.30am: parade steps off
- 10.45am: parade arrives at St Andrew Square
- 10.50am: speeches
- 11.00am: entertainment begins
- 2.30pm: final act expected to finish
As with any city centre event, timings can shift slightly on the day.
Who’s Performing?
The City of Edinburgh Council says the entertainment line-up includes the Lowland and Highland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes & Drums, Richard Kerr, Maria Townsley, Jason Sweeney and the Edinburgh Military Wives Choir.
Singer Andrew Wilson is also listed for a special guest appearance. Wilson recently performed at Murrayfield Stadium during the Zach Bryan concert.
Why Edinburgh Marks Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is held across the UK to recognise serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and the families who support them.
In Edinburgh, the Armed Forces Day flag was presented to Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and raised above the City Chambers on Monday, 22 June, marking the start of Armed Forces Week locally.
Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron said Edinburgh has “a proud and longstanding tradition” of supporting the UK Armed Forces and veterans.
Travel And Access Notes
The main event area is central, so walking, tram and bus travel will be the easiest options for most people.
St Andrew Square tram stop is beside the event area, while Waverley Station is around a 10-minute walk away. Several Lothian Buses routes serve Princes Street, George Street and nearby city centre stops.
Drivers should expect increased footfall and possible delays around Charlotte Square, George Street and St Andrew Square while the parade passes through.
Our Take
This is a useful one to know about, even if you’re not planning to attend.
George Street and St Andrew Square are busy enough on a normal Saturday. Add a parade, bands, stalls and speeches, and the area will likely feel much busier from mid-morning into early afternoon.
If you’re heading into town, build in extra time. If you want to watch, George Street should give the best parade view before the crowd gathers at St Andrew’s Square.