Military personnel, veterans and cadets will be able to travel for free across Greater Manchester this weekend as the Bee Network gets behind Armed Forces Day. Free travel will be available on all Bee Network bus and tram services on Saturday 27 June, helping people across the region join events marking the annual national day of recognition for the Armed Forces community.
Free travel will be permitted on all Bee Network bus and tram services for:
- Members of the Regular and Reserve Services carrying their MOD90 card
- Veterans who carry their Veterans’ badge or Veterans’ rail card
- Cadets travelling in uniform
What is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is a chance for people to show their support for those who serve, or have served, and their families – and marks the culmination of a week of celebrations taking place across the UK. In 2026, Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday 27 June.
The offer reflects Transport for Greater Manchester’s continued commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.
Members of the Armed Forces community already benefit from free travel on Metrolink at certain times, including all day on Armed Forces Day, with the same eligibility extended to Bee Network bus services for the occasion.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: “The Armed Forces community makes an invaluable contribution to our society, and we’re proud to show our appreciation with free travel across the Bee Network on Armed Forces Day.
“It’s an important opportunity for people across Greater Manchester to come together and recognise the service and sacrifice of those who serve, or have served, along with their families.
“Supporting the Armed Forces Covenant is something we take very seriously, and we’re committed to doing our part to make Greater Manchester an Armed Forces-friendly city-region.”
What is happening around Manchester to celebrate Armed Forces Day this year?
Across Greater Manchester, a range of events will take place to mark Armed Forces Day, including parades, displays and community activities bringing people together to celebrate and recognise the contribution of the Armed Forces community.
Manchester will come together to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution of the UK’s armed forces at a special Armed Forces Day event in St Peter’s Square. The free public event will pay tribute to serving personnel, veterans, cadets and their families, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to show their support in the heart of the city.
In attendance on the day will be the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and the new Lord Mayor of Manchester, marking the city’s official civic tribute. Proceedings will begin with a ceremonial moment of reflection led by Armed Forces personnel, providing an opportunity to pause, honour service and sacrifice, and recognise those who protect our freedoms, past and present.
Music is expected to be at the heart of the celebrations, with a programme of live performances throughout the day featuring a mix of ceremonial, contemporary and popular music, creating a lively yet poignant atmosphere in the popular city centre spot.
Visitors can also explore a wide range of armed forces themed activities and displays, including:
- A pop-up Military Museum showcasing artefacts, uniforms and stories from across the services
- Military vehicle displays
- Live demonstrations and performances
- Family friendly and interactive activities
- A special display at Manchester Central Library’s Archive+
As a further mark of respect, a ceremonial flag has been raised above the iconic Manchester Central Library.
Further information on Armed Forces Day can be found on the official Armed Forces Day website, while details of the free travel offer are available on the TfGM website.
