Sunderland Hosts National Celebration of Armed Forces and Emergency Services
Written by Aura Stephenson on 2nd April 2025
The National Armed Forces and Emergency Services Event 2025 (NAFESE 2025) is back for its third year at the Stadium of Light on the 9th of April. The event aims to “celebrate the ethos of service for the services from armed to emergency.”
The day begins with the Veterans’ Breakfast Club, hosted by the mental health charity East Durham Veterans. Andrew Cammiss, a representative of the charity, describes the event as “an important way to connect with the community and meet new people.”
There’s something for everyone on the day, with exhibitors ranging from McDonald’s to the Royal Air Force, all offering opportunities to network and support career development after leaving the armed forces.
The guest speaker at the event is award-winning film producer Dougie Crimson, best known for the 2005 film Green Street. A war veteran himself, he served in the Royal Air Force for 18 years.
Event director for NAFESE, Mal Robinson, says that this event will be “a place for anybody with an interest in the forces or the services or just wanting to network as well as mingle and break down social isolation barriers.
“This is the only event in the UK that covers both the armed forces and emergency services and there is a lot of crossovers of these.”
Among the vendors attending the event is the Connor Brown Trust, founded in 2019 by Tanya Brown in memory of her son. The trust works to raise awareness of knife crime through education and support.
Tracy Brown explains the significance of their presence: “Connor was Sunderland’s red and white supporter through and through. It gives us a sense of pride knowing he’d be proud that we’re there, doing this in his name.
“The main point is the promotion of the bleed kits, making sure people are aware and confident in using them if they need to and providing education workshops to everyone.
“I think it is important for the emergency services to come together to put these events on just to make the public aware of how vital these services are.”
For more information about the day, visit their website and to sign up, free tickets are available on Eventbrite or you can sign up on the day.
