UK Fire Cadet ‘buzzing’ to be recognised at Buckingham Palace Garden Party 

UK Fire Cadets were proudly represented at a Royal Garden Party hosted by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace, celebrating those who make a positive impact in their communities. 

National UK Fire Cadet Co-ordinator Gary Williams and Paige Gibson, a former UK Fire Cadet from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service who has recently progressed into a Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor role, were honoured to attend the event recognising their contribution to supporting young people and communities. 

The annual Garden Parties celebrate individuals from across the UK who have made a positive impact through volunteering, charitable work, and service in sectors including the emergency services. This year, approximately 8,000 guests were invited to spend the afternoon in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, with members of the Royal Family in attendance including The King and Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. 

UK Fire Cadets were represented following an invitation from the Fire Fighters Charity, recognising the programme’s ongoing work to support young people’s development and mental wellbeing. 

Recognising outstanding cadet achievement 

Paige has been an active and dedicated member of the UK Fire Cadet community for several years, supporting national events and contributing to the Cadet Voice Forum. She was recognised at the Fire Cadet Games in South Wales last year, where she received the Chair’s Award for Best Cadet in recognition of her resilience, leadership and commitment to supporting others. 

Since transitioning from cadet to instructor, Paige has continued her service as a volunteer firefighter at a local aerodrome and works as a youth worker supporting young people outside mainstream education through sport. 

A memorable and unique experience 

A small group of approximately 100 guests were invited into the Royal Tea Tent, making the experience particularly special. After the National Anthem, guests had the opportunity to meet members of the Royal Family. 

Paige was selected to meet His Majesty The King, joined by Gary Williams. During the conversation, they discussed the impact of UK Fire Cadets and other uniformed youth organisations in helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. 

The King spoke warmly about the importance of these programmes, reflecting his longstanding connection with uniformed youth groups through his founding of the Youth United Foundation, of which UK Fire Cadets is a partner organisation. 

Paige said: “It honestly didn’t feel real – I was buzzing! Meeting the King and being recognised for something I care so deeply about means so much to me. UK Fire Cadets has given me confidence, purpose, and the chance to help others and support other young people on their journey which I’m really proud of.” 

The experience was described as a moment of immense pride and recognition for those working to support young people across the UK. 

Fire Cadets continue to play a key role nationally, with upcoming activity including the 999 Challenge, the National Memorial Arboretum Service of Remembrance, and the Cenotaph parade.