The Lincolnshire branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has launched the Ultimate Forces Raffle as part of its sponsorship of the Veterans Village at Cleethorpes Armed Forces Weekend 2026.
Donors from across the military community have generously contributed prizes to the experience raffle, including the Vulcan Bomber engine run for two donated by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust as well as flying vouchers from Darlton Gliding Club, the RAF College Cranwell Flying Club and the RAF Cranwell Gliding Club.
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre will also be donating a family pass to the raffle, with keen aviation fans being in with the chance of winning a taxi ride in a Lancaster Bomber, sponsored by Musketeer Solutions.
Alongside the headline experience raffle, eventgoers will be treated to performances from Lincolnshire’s Military Wives Choirs on Saturday as well as the opportunity to participate in daily ‘Spin the Wheel’ games and an on-site scavenger hunt. The SSAFA Veterans Village, which will be in the Meridian Showground, will also feature a Tree of Thanks providing the opportunity for members of the public to leave messages of appreciation for our serving personnel and their families.
For those looking for a more relaxing experience, the SSAFA Big Brew Up tent will be serving teas and coffees and offering a space for those to learn more about what the charity does to support veterans, serving personnel and their families in and around the Lincolnshire area.
SSAFA has been supporting the Armed Forces community for over 140 years and, in 2025, its team of dedicated volunteers in Lincolnshire supported 128 members of serving personnel, veterans and their families across the country, distributing over £250,000 in financial assistance to ensure they never battle alone.
To continue this mission, eventgoers can show their support by visiting the SSAFA Veterans Village, located in the Meridian Showground, by stopping for a brew, entering the Ultimate Forces raffle or leaving a personal, handwritten message to show their appreciation for our serving personnel and their families on the Tree of Thanks.
Jim Evans, Branch Chair for SSAFA Lincolnshire, commented:
“We’re thrilled to be heading back to Cleethorpes to celebrate Armed Forces Weekend 2026 – even more so now that we are sponsoring the Veteran’s Village.
“Those visiting our stand on the day will have plenty to get involved in and will be raising vital funds for the local Armed Forces community as they do so. We’re incredibly grateful to all our partners who will be supporting us across the weekend, particularly our generous prize donors”.
Organised by the Armed Forces Major Engagement Team, the group of volunteers that organise Armed Forces Day each year, the Cleethorpes celebrations usually attract more than 200,000 visitors across the weekend. The free event is the largest on the East Coast, with supporters travelling from across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond.
Mark Hodge, Director of Musketeer Solutions and sponsor of the Lancaster Bomber taxi ride prize said:
“Musketeer Solutions has always been built on the values of teamwork, professionalism, integrity and service.
“Supporting SSAFA is an honour for us. As a team that includes many former servicemen and women, we understand first-hand the importance of the support SSAFA provides to veterans and military families. Armed Forces Day gives the nation an opportunity to say thank you — and we are proud to play our part”.
SSAFA Lincolnshire invites supporters to purchase a £2 raffle ticket to be in with a chance of winning these aviation themed experience prizes. Tickets can be bought via The Ultimate Forces Experience Raffle, with the draw closing on 1 July 2026.
These crucial funds raised via the raffle will be used to support the Lincolnshire Armed Forces community – around 58,000 veterans and 8,000 serving personnel and their families.
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, visit the SSAFA website and search for “SSAFA near me”.
Images
Images credited to Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
Military Wives Choir Performances
Saturday 27 June, 10am and 2pm within the SSAFA Veteran’s Village
Raffle Prizes
- A Vulcan Bomber engine run experience for two donated by Vulcan to the Sky Trust
- Trial Flight Voucher courtesy of Darlton Gliding Club
- Branded hamper courtesy Ascent Flight Training
- Family visit to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre courtesy of Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre with 1 family member participating in a Lancaster Bomber Taxi Ride, sponsored by Musketeer Solutions
- Flying Voucher courtesy of RAF College Cranwell Flying Club
- Flying Voucher courtesy of RAF Cranwell Gliding Club
