The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) welcomed hundreds of visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on Saturday for Cadet Fest 2026, a major public event celebrating the organisation’s 125th anniversary and showcasing the positive impact of the cadet experience on young people.
Held within one of the UK’s most historic naval settings, Cadet Fest brought together cadets, volunteers, supporters, partner organisations and members of the public for a day of displays, demonstrations and interactive activities highlighting the skills, confidence and leadership developed through cadet service.
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed a packed programme of arena displays featuring cadets from the Volunteer Cadet Corps, Sea Cadets and Army Cadet Force. Demonstrations included drill displays, first aid and casualty evacuation scenarios, field gun competitions, military skills displays and musical performances from the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps Band.
The event also featured engagement stands and activities delivered by a range of organisations, including the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadets, NAAFI, Royal Navy STEM, the Association of Wrens and branches of the Volunteer Cadet Corps.
Representatives from across the cadet and Armed Forces communities attended the event, including supporters from Captain Sea Cadets, The Connaught Trust, Shaping Portsmouth, South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA), and Royal Navy Youth & Cadets.
Major (VCC) Louis Colpitts, Deputy Commander of the Volunteer Cadet Corps, said:
“Cadet Fest 2026 was a truly special occasion and a fitting celebration of the Volunteer Cadet Corps’ 125-year history. It was fantastic to see so many cadets, volunteers, families, supporters and members of the public come together to celebrate the achievements of young people and the enduring value of the cadet experience.
The enthusiasm, professionalism and confidence displayed by our cadets throughout the day was outstanding and demonstrated exactly why cadet organisations continue to play such an important role in developing future generations.
I would like to thank Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for hosting us, our partner organisations for their support, and every volunteer who contributed to making the event such a success. Most importantly, thank you to the cadets from across the Volunteer Cadet Corps, Sea Cadets and Army Cadet Force who were the heart of this event and made the day one to remember.
As we celebrate 125 years of the VCC, Cadet Fest not only reflected on our proud history but also showcased the bright future of the cadet movement and the opportunities it continues to provide for young people across the United Kingdom.”
The event formed a key part of the VCC125 programme, a year-long series of activities commemorating the Corps’ rich history while highlighting its continued role in developing young people through adventure, discipline, teamwork and service.
Founded in 1901, the Volunteer Cadet Corps remains committed to inspiring future generations by providing opportunities for personal development, leadership and community engagement.
The Volunteer Cadet Corps would like to thank everyone who attended, participated and supported Cadet Fest 2026, helping to make the event a fitting celebration of the organisation’s remarkable 125-year legacy.
Photo credit: Kevin Poolman
2026 will be remembered as a landmark year in the history of the Volunteer Cadet Corps, as the organisation completed its transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and laid the foundations for a stronger, more resilient future. While many cadets and volunteers may have noticed little change in their day-to-day activities, an enormous amount […]
Read More >
Historic Portsmouth plaque unveiled as Volunteer Cadet Corps celebrates 125 Portsmouth Guildhall plaque marks the VCC’s historic roots as Portsmouth100 continues and the inaugural National Cadets Week begins. Portsmouth, Monday 5 October 2026 – A piece of Portsmouth’s military and youth history has been permanently marked at the heart of the city, as the Volunteer Cadet […]
Read More >
Gosport Youth Citizen of the Year Recognised for Outstanding Service to the Volunteer Cadet Corps The Volunteer Cadet Corps is delighted to congratulate Zoë Malam on being named Gosport Youth Citizen of the Year 2026, recognising her exceptional commitment to volunteering, leadership and youth development. Zoë joined the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps Band Gosport […]
Read More >
Historic First as Volunteer Cadet Corps Conducts Ceremony of the Dues at the Tower of London The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) made history on Tuesday 21 April 2026, becoming the first youth organisation ever to conduct the Ceremony of the Constable’s Dues at the Tower of London, as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations. The […]
Read More >
Volunteer Cadet Corps Marks 125th Anniversary in 2026 The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC), one of the United Kingdom’s oldest uniformed youth organisation, will proudly mark its 125th anniversary in 2026, celebrating more than a century of service, discipline and youth development. Founded on 14 February 1901 at the Mission Hall on Prince Albert Street, Portsmouth; […]
Read More >
Volunteer Cadet Corps Signs the Armed Forces Covenant aboard HMS Victory The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) has today (10 Feb 2026) formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and marking a significant milestone during its 125th anniversary year. The signing ceremony took place in the Great Cabin […]
Read More >
Congratulations Chris Spratt MBE! Former Commander VCC, Lt Col (VCC) Ret’d Chris Spratt has been recognised by His Majesty The King in the New Years Honours List and is awarded an MBE for Services to the Volunteer Cadet Corps.Chris Spratt MBE’s retirement from his role as Commander VCC in March 2024 marked the end of […]
Read More >
The University of Northampton’s full report, entitled ‘What is the social impact and return on investment resulting from expenditure on the Cadet Forces in the UK?’ can be viewed here.
Read More >
Volunteer Cadet Corps 120 years old and still going strong with new Commanding Officer. The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) celebrates 120 years on 14th Feb 2021. The VCC has units operating in Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham, Plymouth, Lympstone (nr. Exmouth), Arbroath (Scotland) and have expanded this with a new unit set to open in Chivenor, North […]
Read More >
VOLUNTEER CADET CORPS ACHIEVES MOD SPONSORSHIP The Volunteer Cadet Corps, part of the Royal Navy’s ‘Navy Youth’ section, has recently been awarded ‘sponsored status’ by the Ministry of Defence. Formerly just recognised by the MOD, although part of and supported by the Royal Navy, the confirmation that the MOD has agreed to sponsor the VCC […]
Read More >