Published: Thursday, 8th June 2017

Our Great Get Together and Armed Forces Day returns for its seventh year on 24 June 2017.

The free annual summer celebration in Royal Greenwich will bring the whole community together for a great day out, reinforcing community cohesion especially in the light of recent events.

  • Date: Saturday, 24 June 2017
  • Time: 11am to 6pm
  • Venue: Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich

Community spirit

Along with other Great Get Together events taking place elsewhere in the UK, the theme will be to celebrate that we have more in common than that which divides us, a firm belief of the murdered MP Jo Cox. She'll be remembered during the event through a minute's silence which is also being held to remember the victims of the recent terror attacks in Manchester and London.

Councillor Denise Hyland, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: "The Great Get Together and Armed Forces Day is one of the annual highlights in the Royal Borough of Greenwich's events calendar, bringing together thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

"This year our free fun family day out has added poignancy and importance. Events like these demonstrate our strong community spirit by allowing people to come together and enjoy themselves, and showing that attacks which seek to divide us actually bring us closer together."

Activities and entertainment

Events and activities for all the family will include a crowd-pleasing stunt vehicle show and veterans' parade accompanied by a live band.

There will also be a stage dedicated to live music with performers from across the borough, plus flash mob dance performances throughout the day (organised by Greenwich Community College).

Other highlights include: 

Exotic birds and animals

  • Birds of prey owls, an alpaca
  • Sheep and ducks display

Daring stunts

  • A stunt show
  • Motorbike and quad bike display

Military and historical

  • Kings Troop display
  • A military zone
  • Laser quest
  • Historic naval gun display and other historical re-enactments

Skills and sports

  • Drumming and craft workshops
  • A variety of 'have a go' workshops by Greenwich Community College, including the chance to try out car maintenance and nail art
  • Sports taster sessions

Rides, inflatables and kids activities

  • A dedicated under-fives area
  • A 'baby rave'
  • Mini double-decker bus rides
  • Inflatables
  • Fairground rides

Arrive early

Additional security checks will be in place so arrive early to avoid possible queues and keep bags to a minimum.

Dogs aren't allowed on site except for assistance dogs.

Alcohol is not permitted.

Use public transport

The Royal Artillery Barracks is easily accessible by public transport and is just a 15-minute walk from the nearest train or DLR station, Woolwich Arsenal. Buses 291, 161, 178, 386, 53, 422, 380 and 469 all stop nearby.

The Council encourages you to come by public transport but if you absolutely need to come by car, you can book parking in advance for £5 - it'll be £7 on the day.