National Cadets Week: Cornwall’s Army Cadets open their doors

A climbing wall one week. A first aid dummy the next. And for teenagers across Cornwall wondering what actually goes on behind the doors of their local cadet hut, October brings a chance to find out.

Every Army Cadet unit across Cornwall is holding its own open evening during National Cadets Week, which runs from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 October 2026.

Each unit will open its doors, tell its story and show the real difference cadets make to young people and their families, and to the local communities around them.

What is National Cadets Week?

National Cadets Week is an annual celebration of what the cadet movement stands for. That means developing young people, building communities and inspiring the next generation of citizens and volunteers.

Tri-Service Open Day on Saturday 10 October

Alongside the unit open evenings, a Tri-Service Open Day runs from 11am to 2pm on Saturday 10 October.

It brings the Army, Sea and Air Cadets together in one place, so visitors can see what all three offer in Cornwall.

There will be plenty to get stuck into, including learning CPR, field craft patrolling and drill.

Who can join?

The open evenings are aimed at anyone aged 12 to 17 who wants to see what the Army Cadets get up to and how to join.

Details are on the Army Cadets open events page. The flyer for the week puts it more simply, with a QR code and four words underneath: “Scan for your local events”.