Nottinghamshire County Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces Community through a series of initiatives planned for 2025, including the Boots and Berets Awards and commemorations of significant wartime anniversaries.
These events aim to celebrate and support veterans, current military members, and their families across the county.
The highlight of the year will be the third Boots and Berets Awards Ceremony, scheduled to take place on 11th September 2025 at the Crowne Plaza, Nottingham.
This prestigious event is designed to honour those who have significantly contributed to the Armed Forces Community in Nottinghamshire. The decision to change the date from August to September reflects feedback from previous attendees, who cited logistical issues due to summer holidays and Armed Forces’ summer recess periods. The change aims to increase participation and provide greater accessibility for the community.
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The 2024 Boots and Berets Awards, which took place on 22nd August at Goosedale, Papplewick, celebrated the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond for the Armed Forces. Notable winners included Flight Lieutenant Michael North, who received the Legacy (Inspiration) Award, and Nottinghamshire Police, recognised for their outstanding support of veteran employees. The event was attended by over 200 guests, with former Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford KCB CBE ADC DL as the Guest of Honour. Feedback from attendees was highly positive, with the venue and the event’s networking opportunities praised.
In addition to the Boots and Berets Awards, Nottinghamshire is also set to commemorate two major milestones in the nation’s history. The Council is preparing to mark the 80th anniversaries of both Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day in 2025. The commemorations will include several events to honour the sacrifices made by members of the Commonwealth and British Armed Forces. Planned activities include an outdoor “Concert for Peace” featuring the Band of the Royal Engineers, to be held on 4th May 2025 at Victoria Embankment, Nottingham, and a special service at Southwell Minster on 11th May 2025.
The commemorations will also feature a touring exhibition, “Nottinghamshire At War,” which will visit libraries, community venues, and the County Show, commencing on 8th May 2025. The goal of this exhibition is to bring to life the stories of local servicemen and women who played critical roles during World War II, allowing the community to better understand the personal sacrifices made during this time.
Another poignant moment will be the unveiling of a Commonwealth Plaque at Victoria Embankment. This plaque will serve as a tribute to the more than 150,000 service members from across the British Commonwealth who sacrificed their lives during World War II. Nottinghamshire residents currently lack a dedicated space for commemorating these heroes, and the new plaque aims to fill this gap. The Council has formally invited Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to attend the unveiling ceremony in March 2025, further adding to the significance of the occasion.
Financially, the initiatives are set to be sustainable, with sponsorship and community contributions playing a major role. The 2024 Boots and Berets event generated a surplus of £9,663.42 after covering the event costs, which will contribute towards the 2025 event.
By working closely with local organisations, veterans’ groups, and the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office, Nottinghamshire aims to ensure these commemorations are inclusive, respectful, and community-focused. The public is encouraged to take part, reflect on the sacrifices made by service personnel, and celebrate the community’s enduring ties to the Armed Forces.
