Llandudno’s Three Cadet Forces Unite to Inspire the Next Generation

Llandudno’s Three Cadet Forces Unite to Inspire the Next Generation

Army, Sea and Air Cadets joined forces in Llandudno for a National Cadets Week open day, giving local people a first-hand look at the skills, experiences and opportunities available to young people — with the town’s Mayor getting stuck into the action herself!

The Llandudno Joint Cadet Centre became a showcase for adventure, learning and community spirit as Llandudno Army Cadets welcomed TS Aberconwy Sea and Marine Cadets and 418 Aberconwy Squadron RAF Air Cadets for a special joint open day.

Building on a proud tradition of the three cadet services working side by side, the event brought together cadets and adult volunteers to demonstrate their skills, share their experiences and inspire the next generation.

Something for everyone

Visitors had the opportunity to meet cadets, chat with instructors and discover the remarkable variety of activities available across the three services. With a packed programme of practical demonstrations and hands-on challenges, there was plenty to see and do.

Activities included fieldcraft and living in the field, navigation and outdoor skills, flight simulation, first aid and CPR, and a STEM challenge. The Sea Cadets added to the excitement with a special archery challenge, giving visitors another opportunity to try something new.

The event highlighted how cadet life extends far beyond uniforms and training. It helps young people develop confidence, leadership, resilience and practical skills while making friends, embracing new challenges and gaining valuable Skills for Life.

A Mayor who got stuck in!

Among the visitors was the Mayor of Llandudno, Cllr Mrs Mandy Hawkins, accompanied by her Consort, Cllr David J Hawkins.

The Mayor enthusiastically joined in with the activities rather than simply watching from the side-lines. She took the controls of the flight simulator, temporarily exchanged her mayoral chain for Army uniform and tried her hand at CPR.

She also spent time chatting with cadets about their experiences and the opportunities they had discovered through their involvement in the cadet movement.

Her visit provided a wonderful opportunity to highlight the positive contribution cadets make to the town and the value of the opportunities available to local young people.

Three services, one community

The open day demonstrated how the cadet forces can inspire young people, strengthen local connections and open doors to experiences that might otherwise remain out of reach.

National Cadets Week celebrates the adventure, leadership, personal development and community involvement at the heart of the cadet experience. The Llandudno event brought those values to life, showing how cadet life can help young people discover new interests, develop confidence and prepare for the future.

A huge thank you goes to the Mayor and her Consort for joining the celebrations, and to all the cadets and adult volunteers whose enthusiasm and hard work helped make the day such a success.

Three cadet forces. One proud community. Countless opportunities. Who knows where cadets could take you?