999 Family Fun Day

The 999 Family Fun Day is at Port Solent car park on Saturday 5 September, from 10am to 4pm. It's run by the emergency services, and the whole point is to let the public meet the people serving on the front lines. If you've got kids in tow, it's a good one for them to get up close to police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, alongside plenty of other emergency vehicles. There's a mix of iconic old ones and modern ones, so you'll see how things have changed over the years.

It's not just about the vehicles, though. You can talk to members of the emergency services and specialist teams, the people who actually use this kit on the job. If you've ever wondered what goes on inside a fire engine or how a specialist unit works, this is your chance to ask the people who know.

One thing to keep in mind: some of the services attending stay operational throughout the day. That means if a real emergency comes in, certain vehicles might be called out and won't be on show. It's the nature of the work, so don't be surprised if a few things vanish mid-morning.

The day is billed as a highlight of the Port Solent calendar, and it falls just ahead of Emergency Services Day on 9 September, which is dedicated to recognising and supporting emergency services staff. It's a family day, so it's open to all ages. You'll find it at Port Solent car park, Port Solent, Portsmouth (PO6 4TP), on Saturday 5 September, from 10am to 4pm.