Celebratory formal dinner at RNAS Yeovilton

We are delighted to welcome members and their guests to a unique formal military dinner at RNAS Yeovilton on June 24 in partnership with the Somerset Lieutenancy.
 
Organised in partnership with our sponsor Wessex RFCA to celebrate Armed Forces Week – in particular, Reserves Day on June 25 – and the 30th anniversary of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, this unique event is not to be missed!
 
Attendees are welcome to bring a ‘plus one’ guest to this formal military mess dinner – husbands, wives, partners etc are all welcome. Dress code is black tie and formal evening wear. Guests will need to be over 18.
 
The evening will include a welcome drink, a three-course dinner and a formal loyal toast. There will an opportunity to purchase additional alcoholic and soft drinks before and after the dinner from the on-site bar.
 
Guests will also be treated to a formal military mess band performing a drum beat and a bugle call to dinner, all adding to the grand sense of occasion! There will be live music during the dinner, too.
 
RNAS Yeovilton is one of the Navy’s two principal air bases and is home to more than 100 aircraft, front line squadrons and training units and a large support staff.
 
Wessex RFCA supports and promotes the reserve and cadet forces across the South West and manages and maintains reserve centres across the region.
 
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is proud to be an Armed Forces Covenant Silver Member.
 
Bookings are expected to be brisk for this one-off celebratory dinner! Black-tie/formal wear is a must for this very special occasion.

The agenda for the evening will be as follows:

• 6.30pm Arrival (to allow for time for security clearance), welcome drinks to be served in Queen Elizabeth bar
• 7pm Bar closes for the duration of dinner
• 7.15pm Mess drum beat (outside the mess or indoors, weather-dependent)
• 7.20pm Bugle call to dinner
• 7.30pm Guests seated for dinner, with live music throughout the meal
• 9.30pm Loyal Toast
• 9.35pm Welcome by host and speech by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset
• 9.45pm Thank you from Somerset Chamber and the re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant
• 9.50pm Queen Elizabeth bar reopens
• 10.50pm Queen Elizabeth bar closes
• 11pm Carriages

Menu
Starter
Pressed ham hock with piccalilli, pea, mint and apple salad
or
Red lentil and sweet potato pâté with salsa (V,GF)
 
Main Course
Pan roasted chicken, bubble and squeak, carrots and crispy kale
or
Wild mushroom risotto with rocket sauce vierge and parmesan (V,GF)
 
Desserts
Trio of desserts, lemon tart, blueberry cheesecake and chocolate truffle torte, berries and pistachio tuille
or
Meringue nest filled fruit of the forest and raspberry sorbet (V,GF)
 
Please complete your menu choices at the time of booking and advise us of any allergies or dietary requirements.

ID will be needed to gain access to the base – a valid passport or photo card driving licence, so please bring them with you on the night!
 
Parking details will follow closer to the date of the event.
 
Bookings will close at 4pm on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Please note refunds cannot be made in the event of cancellation after bookings have closed.
 
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is operating a cancellation policy in line with our terms and conditions which can be found here: https://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/terms-condition