Campaigning for peace can often feel like an uphill struggle. But every so often a campaign cuts through and reminds us what sustained local action can achieve. In York last year, there was one such moment.

In June 2025, a group of residents set up a peace stall in York city centre. Armed Forces Day was approaching, and plans included the display of armoured vehicles and other military equipment in the city centre, alongside pro-military ‘family friendly’ activities.

The group wanted to challenge this overt celebration of militarism, paid for with public money. The peace stall carried the message: ‘War Is Not Family Entertainment'.

The reaction was not always friendly. Some passers-by heckled. But the organisers persevered. Eventually they took their message directly to City of York Council. 

The council listened. They decided that decommissioned weapons and military vehicles would not be included in the Armed Forces Day celebrations, and that the event should have a community focus.

This would not have happened without pressure from local residents, including Quakers and members of the Peace Pledge Union (PPU). It shows how a small but determined local campaign can lead to tangible positive change.

Campaigners in York, the PPU and other supporting organisations are very grateful to City of York Council for listening to the concerns of local residents.

Read on to find out how the campaign unfolded and what we can learn from it.

What we can learn from the York campaign

The success in York was the result of a collaborative effort, involving a range of actions and tactics. Local residents organised stalls and vigils, sent letters to people with influence, drew on wider support available and turned up in person at crucial moments. Each of these elements had an important role.

Engage with decision makers as soon as possible

A letter writing campaign by York residents, responding quickly to local events, was crucial to the outcome. 

Shortly before Armed Forces Day, City of York Council announced plans for ‘family friendly’ activities with replica weapons and a Jackal military vehicle. Responding quickly, local PPU members, Quakers and people from other local groups such as Food Not Bombs and York Says No Pride in War wrote to the council to oppose these plans. 

They outlined their concerns with children handling weapons. They argued that the plans would glamourise war and violence.

As a result, in the run up to Armed Forces Day, this opposition was on City of York Council’s radar. The council decided to hold a meeting to discuss plans for Armed Forces Day in light of these concerns.

The campaigners made good use of their contacts, especially those within the city council. Following up on these connections and building a respectful dialogue was crucial.

Knowing the right person to approach, the way to raise a concern - or in this case the timing of a meeting - can make all the difference.

Frame the argument around common values

In letters and conversations with decision makers and other members of the public, campaigners in York tried to bridge differing views. 

It was essential that the campaign was led - and seen to be led - by local residents, who could speak as concerned members of the community.

The argument could be broken down into two parts:

• Making your opposition known - Armed Forces Day is an event that celebrates armed force, presenting a glamourous image of war and the military to the public. Children are often encouraged to interact with weapons as toys. War and violence should not be turned into family entertainment. 
• Why these views should be considered - Public events should be organised democratically, reflecting the diversity of views within the city. As a prominent public event, Armed Forces Day plans should take into account the views of the whole community.

Whether or not decision makers agree with the first point, they may well listen to the second.

The decision made by City of York Council to exclude military vehicles and weapons from the Armed Forces Day event was difficult and controversial for those involved. Some councillors faced criticisism by some of their colleagues and in the media.

In this context, the second part of the argument was crucial, pointing out the obligations the council has towards those it represents.

Create a visible public presence

Demonstrations, stalls and vigils don’t automatically create change, but they are an important way to build support and momentum. 

Alongside the letter writing campaign, members of Friargate Quaker Meeting Faith in Action Group organised a series of public gatherings, choosing their locations carefully.

The first peace stall was close to another stall run by the Royal Air Force Association. This caused tension at first, with threats of arrest being made against the Quakers. The organisers of the peace stall remained calm. They knew these threats were groundless. To avoid escalation, they chose to move. Crucially, they used this incident as an opportunity to build solidarity, inviting more of their members to join.

The following day they were also joined by a member of City of York Council, which attracted greater interest.

Then the group learnt about the upcoming meeting at the council to discuss Armed Forces Day. They decided to be there in person.

At 7.30am on the day the meeting was due to happen, the group met outside the council offices to hold a vigil and hand out postcards explaining their concerns about Armed Forces Day to people arriving for work. This presence, in all likelihood, helped to influence the outcome.

Draw on the wider support available

Although the campaign was led by York residents, they drew on the support of wider networks and organisations, including the PPU, ForcesWatch and the Quakers, which bolstered their campaign.

Local campaigners in York were in regular touch with these networks, receiving advice, solidarity and practical support. So when the opportunity came, they were equipped with the arguments and materials they needed.

The PPU and ForcesWatch provided postcards saying ‘War Is Not Family Entertainment’ and outlining the main issues with Armed Forces Day events. They also helped to publicise the campaign and City of York Council’s welcome decision.

Drawing on these national support networks helped to amplify and relieve pressure from local actions.

Through a combination of strategic actions, determined engagement with decision makers, public advocacy and collaboration with wider networks, a small campaign made a real positive difference. Military vehicles and weapons were not flaunted in the city. Instead, there was public debate and recognition of the issues with Armed Forces Day and the need to take the views of the whole community into account.

Take action to challenge Armed Forces Day 2026

The Peace Pledge Union, ForcesWatch and Quakers in Britain are working with groups and individuals around the UK to challenge Armed Forces Day and to resist militarism with actions around the UK in the run-up to Armed Forces Day and on the day itself.

We've compiled information and guidance on resisting Armed Forces Day, including key arguments and a template letter to send to local councils. We've also produced postcards, which clearly detail key issues with Armed Forces Day, for distribution in advance of, or outside, Armed Forces Day events. If you'd like to receive this information or postcards for free, you can reach us at mail@ppu.org.uk, office@forceswatch.net or on 020 7424 9444.

Please also get in touch with questions, suggestions or requests for support. You can also find out more by visiting linktr.ee/armedforcesday