East Hampshire’s link with the military has been reaffirmed as an event which offers a helping hand to people connected to the Armed Forces has taken place in Petersfield.

One of the district’s most important annual events took place on Saturday as the East Hampshire Veterans Festival returned to Festival Hall.

The drop-in event organised by Petersfield Town Council, EHDC and the Royal British Legion was a chance for residents to show their appreciation for armed forces personnel, past and present.

But more importantly, it was a place where veterans and their loved ones could get guidance, support, signposting and information from both local and national groups, charities and organisations linked to the armed forces community.

The event opened by Simon Tufnell, Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, was a must for veterans with participants ranging from Blenheim Court Care Home and the Salvation Army to Hounds for Heroes, Veterans Outreach, SSAFA and Dementia Friends.

PP Veterans Festival Petersfield PIC4
There was no escaping the fact that a military-themed event was taking place in Festival Hall. (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

Help for Heroes, NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing and both the Petersfield and Liss branches of the RBL were also represented along with SquaddieBox among many others.

The latter was an example of just some of the ways veterans could find support, as the charity helps ex-military and police officers to get a permanent mail address if they have no fixed abode.

And the age-old message that it’s good to talk was a constant, with many groups offering a listening ear and place to talk and make friendships.

“We support veterans but we also provide a place for community engagement, too,” said Lee Pateman of the Liss RBL, which runs a monthly breakfast for vets at its Rake Road branch.

“We want to reach out to local veterans, perhaps in care homes, and provide a place where they can share stories and have a cup of tea.”

James Deane, chair of the Petersfield RBL branch, said visitors also showed an interest in joining while Stephen Field of the Petersfield Salvation Army said it was important for his group to take part.

PP Veterans Festival Petersfield 2026 PIC2
Farnham & Bordon MP, Greg Stafford, talks to Jed Hallaway and Michelle Fletcher of the Bordon Army Cadets during the event in Petersfield Festival Hall. (Greg Stafford MP)

He said: “There’s an open door policy and it’s a safe and friendly space, plus we can also signpost.”

The Bordon Army Cadets also had a stall as veterans could provide advice and experience to youngsters.

“We parade in Bordon on a Tuesday evening from 7pm to 9.30pm and the age range is 12 to 17,” said Michelle Fletcher.

“They do all manner of things from shooting to Duke of Edinburgh Award criteria. Doing this today is about letting people know what we do, but also what we could offer veterans, as they could become instructors and pass on what they know.”

Local MPs Damian Hinds and Greg Stafford also attended, with the pair especially enjoying the “fascinating and historic objects” in the Strange Old Things: The Mobile Museum in the Rose Room.

Mr Stafford said: “It was good to speak to the Bordon Army Cadets, RBL, local RAF branch, Help For Heroes, the Hampshire NHS and many others about the support available to veterans.”