East Hampshire Veterans Festival returns to Petersfield

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 10:00

By Philip Keeler

A free festival supporting serving and former members of the armed forces community is returning to Petersfield this weekend.

VetsFest, the East Hampshire Veterans Festival, will take place at Petersfield Festival Hall on Saturday 19 September from 10am until 3pm.

The event is being organised by East Hampshire District Council in partnership with Petersfield Town Council.

It is aimed at serving personnel, veterans and their families, offering access to advice, assistance and support from service charities, local groups and national organisations.

Support available on the day will cover areas including mental and physical health, finances, housing and pensions.

Visitors will also be able to meet other veterans and organisations, with organisers saying the event is designed to encourage discussion, networking and friendship.

Strange Old Things mobile museum will be at the festival throughout the day, while refreshments will also be available.

There will also be live music from the Veterans Outreach Support Choir from 11am.

East Hampshire District Council says supporting the armed forces community remains a priority.

The council’s Armed Forces Champion and Royal Navy veteran, Councillor Phil Shaw, said: “I am so pleased that this festival has returned for another year.

“This festival offers so much for armed forces veterans and their families. It gives them the chance to explore a wide range of information and provides support, advice, discussion, networking and friendship.

“It’s also an opportunity for us all to show our appreciation for the value that armed forces personnel and their families bring to our communities in East Hampshire.”

VetsFest is free to attend.

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