SHAPE: What’s on this week: 17 to 23 July

Belgian National Day - 21 July

Belgium celebrates its National Day, with the Belgian flag flying proudly across the country and festivities taking place nationwide.

In Brussels, celebrations include family activities, military and emergency services displays, and the annual civil and military parade from 16:00 in front of the Royal Palace. The day concludes with an evening concert in Cinquantenaire Park, followed by a spectacular laser, drone and fireworks display.

If you're looking for something to do during the holiday, there are events, festivals and celebrations taking place across Belgium throughout the weekend and on National Day itself.

For more information on what's happening, visit: 👉 https://www.thebulletin.be/whats-week-17-23-july-0

SHAPE: ‘Picture Perfect’ at Bozar: Exhibition, beauty market and rooftop celebration on 21 July

Before the thought-provoking and playful exhibition Picture Perfect at Bozar enters its final weeks, see the show at a discounted price and enjoy a special Beauty Market in the Brussels arts centre on Belgium’s national holiday.

A Celebration of Beauty on 21 July

With the purchase of an exhibition ticket (50% off, free for under 18s), visitors can access multiple activities at the Beauty Market set up in the Rotonde Suzanne Bertouille.

They include life drawing workshop (in collaboration with Palazzo Brussels), colour analysis sessions, personalised nail art with Kelali Nails and hairstyling workshops for textured hair. The celebration concludes in style on Bozar's rooftop, until 23.00.

Forces Employment Charity: Discover careers in consulting and retail banking

McKinsey and Metro Bank have partnered with the Forces Employment Charity to host an event that helps members of the Armed Forces community explore careers in consulting and retail banking and discover how their skills and experience can translate into these sectors.

The event will take place in London on 30 July, from 18:00 to 21:00.

This event is open to all Service leavers, veterans, reservists and spouses and partners within the military community. Spaces are limited, so if you're interested in learning more about careers in consulting and retail banking, apply today!

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 20 July.

Apply now: latest Covenant Fund Trust programmes

This month the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust are inviting applications for the Reducing Veterans Homelessness programme, Together for Service Families - Place-based grants, Supporting Partners programme and the Service Pupil Support programme.

To find out more about these grants and their application criteria, please visit: Open programmes - Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

For other latest AFCFT news, please see the links below:
Now open for applications
Enter the Collaboration Lab
Help shape support for servicewomen
Have you completed our newsletter survey?
Local authority awards newsflash

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 16 July 2026

FamCAS 2026: SFA Satisfaction Continues to Improve

The Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2026 has been published today, providing valuable insight into the experiences of Service families and the issues that matter most to them, including housing.

Support for LGBT Veterans Impacted by the Armed Forces Ban (27 July 1967–12 January 2000)

Restorative Measures for LGBT Veterans Affected by the Armed Forces Ban (1967–2000)

The Ministry of Defence is delivering restorative measures to LGBT veterans impacted by the historic ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces.

Measures Available are:

• Non-Financial Restorative Measures: Includes letters of apology, replacement discharge papers, restoration of rank/commission, the Etherton Ribbon, and more.

• Financial Recognition Scheme - Dismissed or Discharged Payment of £50,000 for LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged solely due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Financial Recognition Scheme – impact Payment of up to £20,000 to eligible LGBT veterans to recognise the broader impacts of the Ban, assessed by an Independent Panel.

Further information about the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, Non-Financial Restorative Measures, how to apply and support available can be found on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page: LGBT veterans: support and next steps - GOV.UK

Financial Recognition Scheme payments are tax-free and will not affect means-tested benefits.

Eligible individuals must apply before both Schemes close at 23:59 on 12 December 2026

SHAPE: World Breastfeeding Week Walk and Talk, Thursday 6th August 2026,11:00

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2026 by joining the community "Walk and Talk" on SHAPE.

Then enjoy a picnic afterwards.

WHEN: Thursday 6th August 2026, 11:00
WHERE: SHAPE International Library
HOW: Just turn up, no need to pre-book
WHO: All Welcome, Bring a Friend.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: RBA Flight Schedule - From now until 11th September 2026

Royal Brunei Airlines.

1. Timing adjustments to BWN-LHR v.v BI003/004, effective 19 May to 01 Jul 26.

2. Cancellation of BWN-DXB-LHR v.v flights until 12 Sep 26.

3. Extension of BWN-LHR v.v direct flights until 11 Sep 26.

FYI, RBA operating schedules.

BWN to LHR: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

LHR to BWN: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

On behalf of the Movement Control Centre.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - BFB Local Handmade & Food Stall Bazaar *Calling All Vendors* Friday 25th September 2026, 1400 - 1700 hrs @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Calling ALL Vendors!

BFB is delighted to announce our second local and handmade food stall Bazaar for 2026! We’re inviting passionate creators to apply for the stall.

BRUNEI: Mumong Pool Induction & New Entry Access System *Next Date* Tuesday 28th July 2026

NOTICE: MUMONG POOL INDUCTION & NEW ENTRY ACCESS SYSTEM

Please be informed that an induction session will be conducted for the Mumong Pool.