Looking Forward at 40: celebrating the liberation of the Falkland Islands

September

Fri 30 September: MacMillan Coffee Morning

Every year the museum hosts a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Many islanders who have to go away for cancer treatment are supported by Macmillan nurses so this is our way of giving back and saying thank you. It’s always an amazing day with cakes galore.

We also hold a 40th Anniversary raffle to help raise as much money as we can.
Organised by FIMNT

October

Monday 3 October: Peat Cutting Monday

Sat 8 October SSA Hoedown (Family Dance), Town Hall

A biannual fundraising event for the Stanley Sports Association. A great social evening of country music and dancing, with hot food also available.
Organised by the Stanley Sports Association

Thu 27 – Sat 29 October: Falklands Fringe Festival

An ‘Edinburgh Fringe’ style multi-faceted arts event to bring together members of the community and demonstrate the many talents present on the Islands.
Organised by Nick Roberts/FIODA

November

Fri 11 November: RBL Poppy Ball, Town Hall

The Falklands Branch of the Royal British Legion holds an annual fundraising ball in November known as the ‘Poppy Ball’ for its members and their guests. The event which traditionally is held in the Town Hall, takes place on the Friday before Remembrance Sunday and signifies the start of the Remembrance weekend.

The Ball commences with welcome drinks and canapés followed by the ‘Parade of the Branch Standard’ which is presented to the Honorary Branch President before being placed at the front of the hall. It is an honour for the Branch that in recent years the Commander of the British Forces has fulfilled the position as our Honorary President and we are delighted that Commodore Jonathan Lett is currently fulfilling this position. The event then follows the traditions of the Festival of Remembrance held in Albert Hall in London.

In recent years this has included songs from our own choir and the Military Wives Choir. It also includes poems and recitals associated with Remembrance. The Act of Remembrance then follows, which is the most poignant part of the evening, particularly the presentation of the Book of Honour and Eternal Flame.

Following prayers, the Exhortation is given by the Branch Chairman followed by the Two Minute Silence which similar to the Albert Hall, includes poppies falling from the ceiling. The Act of Remembrance is concluded with the Dedication and National Anthem. Dinner is then served.

The Poppy Ball then continues with traditional Falklands music and dancing followed by a live band which plays into the early hours. Each year the Falklands Branch of the Royal British Legion raises up to £10,000 for the Poppy Appeal. Up to half of this is raised through the Poppy Ball with the remaining funds from collecting tins and kind acts of generosity from members of the community.
Organised by Royal British Legion, Falkland Islands

Sat 12 November: Unveiling of Lookout Gallery Plaque

Organised by FIMNT

Sun 13 November: Remembrance Sunday Parade

Her Excellency the Governor, the Commander British Forces, Members of the Legislative Assembly, resident Veterans, Visiting Guests, together with Senior Officers of the Armed Services will be attending this Service. The Service will be led by the Reverend Ian Faulds and other local ministers. During the Service a collection will be made for the Poppy Appeal.

The congregation is requested to be seated in the Cathedral by 9.15am. Seating will be on a first come first served basis. At 10.35am the Parade, consisting of detachments representing the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Falkland Islands Defence Force will form up on Ross Road East and march into position at the Cross of Sacrifice.

Associations and Veterans will march and take up a position at the foot of the steps to the Cross. The flow of traffic will be controlled on Ross Road East in the B Slip and Stanley Cemetery area to facilitate this march. Youth organisations will be present at the Cross of Sacrifice.

At 10.48am, HE the Governor, the Honourable Roger Spink and the Commander British Forces will arrive at the Cross of Sacrifice. A short service will then be held and the Roll of Honour read out. There will be two minutes silence at approximately 11.00 am marked by the firing of the saluting guns on Victory Green. The Honourable Ian Hansen to read the Roll of Honour in the Cathedral and The Honourable Roger Spink to read the Roll of Honour and lay the wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice.
Parade Orders issued by OCFIDF

Date tbc: Multicultural Food Festival, Goose Green

A food festival event with food stands from the variety of nationalities living in the Islands (providing free food samples!)
Organised by Multicultural Falklands

December

Thurs 8 December: Battle Day

The following programme has been arranged for Thursday 8 December 2022 to commemorate the victory of the Naval engagements of 8th December 1914, on which day 6 British sailors lost their lives and a number of others died later from injuries received during the battle. 2,260 German sailors also lost their lives.

At about 10.45 am a detachment of the Falkland Islands Defence Force and the Associations will march to the Battle Memorial. At 10.58 am Her Excellency the Governor will arrive at the Battle Memorial and will inspect the Parade. Youth Groups will be in attendance.

After prayers Her Excellency the Governor will lay a wreath, followed by Member of the Legislative Assembly, the Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, representatives of the Royal British Legion and Associations and visiting Guests. Members of the public wishing to attend the ceremony are asked to arrive no later than 10.50 am.
Parade Orders issued by OCFIDF

Sat 17 December: Christmas Grotto & lighting up of Dockyard, Historic Dockyard Museum

One of the most wonderful times of the year is the switching on of the lights at the Dockyard. Every year, Santa takes time out of his busy schedule to come and visit us here and give presents (kindly sponsored by the Chandlery) to the children. He then nips off on his sleigh and leaves us to serve the mulled wine, cook the barbecue and sing carols badly.

When it’s dark enough (about 10pm) we ask the winners of that year’s Falkland’s Ball to do the honours and press the Big Red Button and light up the Dockyard!
Organised by FIMNT

Fri 23 December: Speed Shear

An annual event held outside the Rose Bar. A very popular and sociable evening on the Falklands calendar that brings shearing and a variety of fun games ahead of the Christmas festivities!
Organised by Falkland Shears

Monday 26 & Tues 27 December: Boxing Day Races

A long-standing traditional annual social event that brings the three communities of Stanley, Camp and MPC together over two days to enjoy horse racing, gymkhana and foot events.
Organised by Stanley Sports Association

Wed 28 December: Shearing Competition

An annual shearing and wool handling competition. This year’s competition will determine who can represent the Falklands Islands at the 2023 World Shearing & Wool handling Championships held in Scotland at the Royal Highland Show. Organised by Falkland Shears