On Saturday 13th June 2026 the Volunteer Cadet Corps, one of the United Kingdom’s oldest uniformed youth organisations, celebrated their 125th year anniversary by hosting Cadet Fest at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
The vibrant festival was bursting with energy and pride, and brought together cadet units, families and visitors for a day full of discovery and excitement!
Throughout the day, the arena came alive with thrilling live demonstrations, including cadet bands, precision drill displays, high-energy physical training showcases and the ever-popular Field Gun competition. Each performance highlighted the teamwork, discipline, hard work and dedication that defines the cadet experience.
One of the highlights was the VCC Parade, pictured in the gallery here.
The Volunteer Cadet Corps, founded on 14 February 1901 at the Mission Hall on Prince Albert Street, Portsmouth, is a MOD sponsored youth organisation and part of the Royal Navy’s Cadet Forces. The VCC is open to young people between the ages of 9 and 18, and is managed and run by unpaid volunteer staff. The aim of the VCC is to help develop young people into dependable and reliable members of society by using the traditions, standards and ethos of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Speaking of the anniversary year, Warrant Officer Second Class Russell Piner RM, Commander VCC, said:
“Reaching 125 years is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the dedication of the volunteers, instructors and cadets who have sustained the Corps across generations. Our anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our proud heritage while looking forward to the future and the next generation of cadets.”
Those interested in joining the VCC as cadets, or volunteering with the historic organisation, are warmly encouraged to visit their webpage here to learn more about the VCC’s proud past, vibrant present and exciting future.
The VCC offers young people a worthy spare time activity and helps them to develop skills and friendships that will benefit them for years to come. Whether our cadets have careers in the military or in ‘civvy street’, what they learn in the VCC could prove useful for the rest of their lives.
Headquarters VCC is based at HMS Sultan in Gosport and it is from here that Commander VCC and his staff oversee the efficient management and compliant governance of the Cadet Corps.
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