BELGIUM: Vestalia Festival 2026, Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th June 2026

The third edition of Vestalia is due to finish this weekend!

Around 40 exceptional stately homes around Belgium will open their doors to the public during the festival.

The theme this year is 'Meeting' to honour the individuals at the heart of these beautiful historic homes.

As well as visits and tours of the homes and gardens, there will be concerts and performances in prestigious settings and some gourmet tasting to be sampled as well.

Find out more here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: BAD Festival, Charleroi on Weekends until Sunday 2nd August 2026

The largest food court space in Wallonia is back, until Sunday 2nd August 2026! 

The BAD Festival spans more than 2500m² in the open air, perfect to meet up with family or friends this Summer.

Come and enjoy 10 street food stalls, a cocktail bar, and more than 25 specialty beers in a unique atmosphere. With live music, DJ sets, fabulous food and awesome atmosphere, this is one summer festival you won't want to miss.

WHEN: Fridays & Saturdays 18:00-23:00, Sundays 16:00-22:30 until 2nd August 2026
WHERE: rue Chausteur 26, Charleroi
HOW MUCH: Free Admission, cost on consumables

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Food Handling Courses, next one Thursday 18th June 2026, 15:00 SHAPE Healthcare Facility

For anyone wishing to volunteer on any food or drink stalls at Britfete, there is another chance to get your Food Handling course in.

WHEN: Thursday 18th June 2026, 15:00
WHERE: SHAPE Healthcare Facility, Building 401, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Washington DC Area.
WHY: Food Handling Certificate is mandatory for anyone manning Food or Drink Stalls at SHAPE Events.
HOW: Book you place by emailing antoaneta.s.lazarova.ln@health.mil

You may not get a reply or confirmation email but you will be booked onto the course.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Learn to Face Paint, NEW TIME Tuesday 23rd June 18:00

The final Learn to Face Paint session is later this month. To make it more accessible, the timing has changed!

This is a great session facilitated by Beccy Player. Don's miss this fabulous opportunity to learn some really impressive face-painting techniques and I promise you it is easier than it looks.

WHEN: Tuesday 23rd June 2026, 18:00 NEW TIME

WHERE: The Britbar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Germany: What's On This Weekend Guide

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in NRW This Weekend

Looking for the perfect way to spend your weekend? Whether you are a dedicated foodie, a car enthusiast, a nature lover, or looking for family-friendly entertainment, Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) region has an incredible lineup of events waiting for you.

Here are the best things to do in and around the region this weekend.

🍔 Food & Music Festivals

Street Food & Music Festival (Dortmund)

* When: Thursday (2 PM - 10 PM), Friday (2 PM - 10 PM), Saturday (12 PM - 10 PM), Sunday (12 PM - 10 PM)

* Where: Friedensplatz, Dortmund

* More Info: Street Food & Music Dortmund

Indulge your tastebuds at Friedensplatz. Over 30 food trucks are gathering to serve up a massive variety of global cuisines and specialty bites. To keep the vibes high all weekend long, a full lineup of live DJs will be spinning sets from the afternoon straight into the evening.

The  Asian Street Food Festival (Düsseldorf)

* When: Friday, June 12th – Sunday, June 14th (12:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily)

* Where: Rhinepromenade Düsseldorf

* More Info: RP Online Festival Details 

Calling all fans of Asian gastronomy! Düsseldorf is hosting the lastest Asian Street Food Festival. If you love: Japanese cuisine, Thai, Korean, Indian, Ramen, Sushi, and Takoyaki, this is for you . Keep an eye out for event giveaways where you can win free food and drinks!

SHAPE: Summer Camp for kids at the SHAPE Arts & Crafts Centre - sign-up now open

If you are looking for Summer Camp opportunities in the School Holidays, check out what the SHAPE Arts and Crafts Centre have on offer.

Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up soon if you are interested.

Pop in to SHAPE Arts and Crafts Centre to secure your space.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Defence Update: Blow the whistle - Domestic abuse support for Armed Forces families

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June, people are urged to: Stop, Notice, and Act against domestic abuse. Don’t look away.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup – which will take place from 11 June to 19 July – is a time for celebration, community and a shared love for the game. But for some people, this period is marked by increased domestic abuse.

Research shows that domestic abuse incidents rise by 38% when England loses, and by 26% when they win or draw.

Football itself does not cause domestic abuse, but major tournaments can bring factors that raise the risk. This includes emotional stress, alcohol and substance use, financial pressures and gambling.

When something isnʼt right – in relationships, at home, at work, or in our communities – “blow the whistle”. That means recognising abuse, signposting to support, and speaking up if you witness or experience abusive behaviour.

Everyone has the right to feel safe 

Domestic abuse takes many forms – including coercive control, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, in couple relationships or between family members. 

Anyone can be affected: 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and 1 in 6 or 7 men.

No one should make you feel unsafe. All Defence personnel are expected to treat others with dignity and respect, inside and outside of work. There is no Defence for abuse.

Supporting the Armed Forces community
In a military context, there is a misconception that domestic abuse support services are only for the Service person and not the whole family.

Defence has a clear duty to safeguard our people and their families from domestic abuse and has a range of support services in place – in the UK and overseas – to ensure every person in the Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) community gets the support they need and deserve.

Defence’s Domestic Abuse Action Plan set out actions to tackle abuse through prevention, support and perpetrator interventions – backed by cultural change initiatives, leadership, education and training.

Support services for Armed Forces families
Holistic care and support 

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provides independent, trauma-informed support to victims-survivors and witnesses of serious crimes that have been committed by persons subject to Service law, in the UK and abroad.

The unit is independent of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force (single Services’) Chains of Command and supports people throughout their journey in the Service Justice System. They also have independent advisors that specialise in domestic violence and sexual violence.

Specialist welfare services 

Specialist welfare support refers to the Royal Naval Family & People Support (RN FPS), Army Welfare Service and the RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service. These services provide a variety of support, including making referrals to external specialist services.

These welfare services are confidential and independent of the single Services’ Chains of Command. For a list of services and contact details, visit GOV.UK.

Aurora New Dawn helpline 

The charity, Aurora New Dawn, has recently launched an Armed Forces helpline to support victim-survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking. This helpline can be accessed in the UK and Overseas by calling or WhatsApp to 0333 091 2527.

Overseas and emergency support
Armed Forces families who are stationed overseas can access welfare providers who provide specifical support for the Armed Forces community. Find worldwide domestic abuse support for families stationed overseas. 

Overseas and emergency support is also available through the British Forces Social Work Service, which supports Armed Forces personnel and families, and entitled civilians, wherever they are in the world.

Unit support staff
Initial support and signposting can be provided by Unit support staff, who understand the dynamics of abuse and have knowledge of local support services.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) 

SARCs provide free, specialist care and support to anyone in the UK who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, at any time in their life. This includes the Armed Forces community, whether they are still serving, a Veteran or a family member.

Report domestic abuse 

You can report domestic abuse to Service Police – all specially trained in supporting victims-survivors of domestic abuse. You can also report a crime to the civilian police. 

The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) investigates serious crimes, including domestic abuse and sexual offences. They operate independently of the single Services’ Chains of Command.

This World Cup, let's stand together against abuse. If something doesn't feel right or you witness or experience abuse – blow the whistle.

Useful information and signposting

For information about domestic abuse support for Armed Forces personnel and families in the UK and overseas, read Defence’s Whole Force policy on domestic abuse. 

For general information about domestic abuse and national support services, visit GOV.UK.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): 9 National Crime Agency job vacancies, multiple locations - Closing Date 5 July

 

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (9 vacancies in total):

GFIE-490 - Business Management Officer, Investigations, Operational Delivery - National Crime Agency - Tolworth, Gatwick, Slough, Heathrow, Gillingham, Stevenage, Exeter, Nottingham, Sunderland

Job description: Business Management Officer

GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EoI Form (also see Guidance Notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Kickstart Your Career: The National Crime Agency (NCA)
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is the UK’s lead law enforcement agency dedicated to cutting serious and organised crime. We are seeking motivated individuals to join our Investigations Command as Business Management Officers.

The Role
As a Business Management Officer, you will play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of our Multi Threat and Borders Teams. You will support an operational team and the Senior Business Management Officer to ensure the delivery of high-quality services. This is a dynamic role that requires the ability to work at pace, manage busy schedules, and prioritise essential tasks effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Management Services: Provide administrative and secretarial support to Operational Teams and Business Areas.
• Data Analysis: Search, collate, and analyse data from multiple systems.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a single point of contact for the department and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Administrative Support: Manage diaries, coordinate correspondence, arrange meetings, take minutes, and organise events.
• Query Management: Monitor team inboxes and manage telephone queries, providing advice or escalating as necessary.
• Operational Support: Assist with records management, procurement (stationery and purchase orders), and overseeing site-specific requirements such as property stores or fleet vehicles.
• Quality Assurance: Perform timely quality assurance of processes and held data.

Key Requirements

• IT Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office with the ability to learn new applications.
• Organisational & Time Management: Ability to plan effectively, manage heavy workloads, and meet deadlines.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills tailored to the audience.
• Problem Solving: Logical and creative approach to assessing situations.
• Teamwork: Success in collaborating with others to achieve shared outcomes.
• Adaptability: Ability to remain effective in changing environments.

BRUNEI: PCMF - BLS and AED Training Wednesday, 17th June 2026, 1500hrs @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Social Calendar 2026

Please click the image to enlarge.

The aim of the Social Calendar is to allow garrison personnel and their families to view all social events and activities taking place.

It is also an area where you can advertise an event that you are planning such as a Patio Sale, Bingo evening, Coffee mornings etc. To have an event added to the Calendar it must:

• Be for the BFB Community.

• Include NO military information.

Click HERE to view the annual calendar. Here you can click on each event to take you to the blog post, where you will find more information regarding the event.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.