National Cadets Week 2026
National Cadets Week is taking place from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 October 2026, celebrating the incredible opportunities, experiences and achievements of cadets and adult volunteers across the UK.
Throughout the week, we’ll shine a spotlight on different aspects of cadet life and share stories that show the skills, friendships and experiences being part of the cadet forces can offer.
Monday 5 October: Launch Day
First-ever National Cadets Week begins with tribute from His Majesty The King
Thousands of young people across the UK will take part in the first-ever National Cadets Week from 5 to 11 October 2026, a national celebration of the Cadet Forces.
The Cadet Forces are one of the largest youth movements in the United Kingdom. Just over 137,000 young people take part in a fun, rewarding and life-changing cadet experiences, supported by around 28,000 adult volunteers, in more than 3,000 locations across all four nations.
National Cadets Week will celebrate opportunities for young people to enjoy a variety of incredible experiences, build relationships in their community and prepare themselves for future success.
His Majesty The King has praised members of the cadet forces and the adult volunteers who lead cadet groups across the country.
The King paid tribute to the five military Cadet Forces and the National Fire Cadets, Volunteer Police Cadets and St John Ambulance Cadets.
In a letter to the Cadet Forces, His Majesty The King said:
“For more than a century, the Cadet Forces have helped generations of young people discover their strengths, broaden their horizons and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges.
“In every part of our country, from our cities and towns to our rural and coastal communities, cadets come together to learn new skills, build lasting friendships and contribute positively to the communities in which they live.”
Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MP appeared at the opening of a new Joint Cadet Centre in Hastings, Sussex today (5 October).
The new space will enable the sharing of resources and skills in the town, allowing the Army Cadet Force and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets to both make use of the incredible new facilities and return to training in Hastings.
Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MP said:
“Our Cadet Forces give young people the chance to discover what they’re capable of, have fun, build friendships and develop skills that will stay with them for life.
“National Cadets Week is a chance for us to celebrate the young people who make our Cadet Forces so special, and the volunteers who give their time to help them thrive. Together, we can ensure these opportunities remain for generations to come.”
Led by the Ministry of Defence, National Cadets Week will see cadets visit schools, government departments and businesses to spread awareness of the lifelong skills gained from being a cadet.
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said:
“Being a cadet is about so much more than learning military skills. It’s about working as a team, stepping outside your comfort zone and having the confidence to take on new challenges.
“I’ve seen first-hand the difference that these experiences can make, and the contribution cadets and volunteers make to communities across the UK. It’s fantastic to see that dedication celebrated through National Cadets Week.”
Beyond National Cadets Week, the government is committed to growing Cadet Forces by 10% by 2030 and 30% by 2035, working with industry, local communities and the third sector to expand opportunities to young people across the UK.
A Cadets Action Plan will develop and launch a new Cadet Partnership Hub, bringing together partners to support the growth and sustainability of cadet units nationwide.
The Cadet Forces’ role in preserving culture and heritage will remain a defining theme of this expansion, ensuring that the traditions and values that have shaped the movement for more than a century continue to inspire future generations.