Contents

Ceremony schedule and locations
The essentials: Veteran support and afternoon tea
Why these events matter
Practical planning for attendees

Residents, business owners, and visitors across Cheshire East are invited to participate in two public flag-raising ceremonies on Monday, 22 June 2026. These events mark the official start of Armed Forces Week, serving as a community-wide show of support for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families.

Organized by Cheshire East Council, the ceremonies provide a moment for the public to recognize the dedication and service of those in the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Everyone is welcome to attend these free events, which act as the regional opening for a national week of recognition leading up to Armed Forces Day.

Ceremony schedule and locations

To ensure local accessibility, the council has scheduled two distinct ceremonies throughout the day. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the location most convenient for them.

Location	Time	Venue	Address Note
Crewe	10:00	Memorial Square	Opposite Municipal Buildings
Macclesfield	14:00	Town Hall	Outside the main entrance

The essentials: Veteran support and afternoon tea

Beyond the flag-raising ceremony in Macclesfield, the council is facilitating a dedicated veteran support drop-in session on the same day. This session is designed to help veterans connect with local support services in a relaxed environment.

Time: 11:00 to 15:00
Location: Macclesfield (coinciding with the Town Hall event)
Incentive: Attendees at this drop-in session will be offered free afternoon tea.

This drop-in provides a practical opportunity for the veteran community to engage with local resources immediately following the morning’s formal proceedings.

Why these events matter

Councillor (Major) Anthony Harrison, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, emphasized the significance of these gatherings. According to the council, the ceremonies are intended to provide a meaningful moment for the community to demonstrate appreciation for the bravery and sacrifice of service members.

By raising the flag, the borough highlights the vital role that the Armed Forces play both at home and abroad. The events are designed to be inclusive, welcoming not just veterans and their families, but also local business owners and residents who wish to stand in solidarity with the Armed Forces community.

Practical planning for attendees

As these are outdoor public events, attendees are advised to plan their travel to the town centers in advance. Both Memorial Square in Crewe and the Town Hall in Macclesfield are central locations, and participants should be prepared for potential foot traffic in these areas during the ceremony times. No pre-booking is required for the flag-raising events; members of the public can simply arrive at the designated venues ahead of the start times to observe the proceedings.

Source: Cheshire East Council