Prestigious Volunteer Cadet Corps in Portsmouth to celebrate 125th anniversary with parades

A remarkable cadet force in Portsmouth will soon by celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Armed forces volunteers in the Volunteer Cadet Core (VCC) will be parading around Guildhall Square at 4.30pm on October 5. These festivities also honour the start of National Cadet Week, which runs between next Monday and October 11.

Portsmouth City Council leader, councillor Steve Pitt, said: “Cadets are such an important part of the wider armed forces community in Portsmouth. They teach leadership, build confidence and learn valuable life skills. Cadets also play a major role in significant events in our city like Remembrance and Portsmouth Armed Forces Day.

“During what is the country's very first National Cadets Week, we will be celebrating our thriving cadets community here in Portsmouth, and saying thank you to the adult volunteers who make the cadets such a success in our city.

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“As the proud home of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth's armed forces community is part of the very fabric of our great city. National Cadets Week is the ideal time for young people to seek out a cadet unit near them and discover the many benefits and enjoyment that being a cadet brings."

The city is home to a wide range of cadet units, which includes VCC. It was formed at the Royal Marines Barracks in Eastney in 1901. The event starts at 4.30pm and includes parades and a commemorative plaque unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant, with current and former Lord Mayor’s Cadets also present.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will then be hosting a free family event on Saturday, October 10, from 10am to 4pm. It will feature field gun displays, live music, Esports, STEM activities, maritime displays, VR tents and opportunities to meet cadets from across the Royal Navy, Army and RAF Cadet Forces.