Military dinner - HMS Calliope 2026

About the event

This is a fantastic opportunity to savour our military traditions at this relaxed dinner alongside serving members of the Royal Navy and our supporters of Blind Veterans UK.

HMS Calliope promises to be an afternoon of laughter, camaraderie and delicious food, in an absolutely fantastic location in central Newcastle.

HMS Calliope is the principal Royal Navy training centre for the North and Northeast of England and serves as the home base for some 150 reservists. Service personnel take part in local representational activities and Remembrance Day parades in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Catch up with friends and Forces personnel as you enjoy our Founder's Awards presentations and tuck into a bespoke three-course meal.

Please note: This event is free to registered Members.

Venue

HMS Calliope
Shore Rd
Gateshead
NE8 2BE

Founder's Awards

There will be a Founder's Awards presentation during the dinner for a small number of 'Highly Commended' award recipients. 

If you'd like to nominate a fellow Member for a Founder's Award and want them to be in with a chance to receive their award at this memorable event, please fill in the nomination form by 9 October 2026.

Members will receive confirmation of their secured place by Friday 15 May 2026.

Any cancelations to be submitted by Friday 12 June 2026.

Important information about his event

Please read the following information before submitting your interest in this event.

Our military dinners around the country take place at venues chosen to minimise travel time and costs for Members. For this reason, no accommodation will be provided by Blind Veterans UK.

All Members are welcome to bring one guest/carer.

Transport

If you’d like to register but feel transport costs and availability could be a barrier, we may be able to help with this. We can check if you meet our essential criteria for support when we call to confirm your place.

Dress code

• Males: Smart attire such as dinner or lounge suit, blazer and chinos. Mounted miniature medals and headdress may be worn. Additional badges such as military memorabilia may be worn, though must uphold Blind Veterans UK standards and ethos. 
• Females: Knee-length dress or equivalent, covering shoulders. Mounted miniature medals. Headdress may be worn outside of venue. Additional badges such as military memorabilia may be worn, though must uphold Blind Veterans UK standards and ethos.

Identification required

Please bring any of the following:

• UK passport
• UK driving licence
• UK bus pass
• UK disability badges or equivalent
• Veterans ID card

Vehicle details 

On occasion, we may require your vehicle registration, make, and model, for security reasons. Don’t’ worry, if we need this information we will be in touch once the event registration closes.