Countdown to Armed Forces Day
A jam-packed programme of activities has been launched with only a fortnight to go until one of the UK’s biggest Armed Forces Day celebrations.
Organised by Plymouth City Council, and sponsored by Babcock, thousands of people will visit Plymouth Hoe on Saturday 27 June for one of the highlights of the 2015 events calendar.
Working in partnership with The Royal Navy, The Army, RAF and Royal Marine Commandos, Armed Forces Day provides an opportunity for the city to say “thank you” to the city’s troops and families for their commitment and hard work. It also brings together the city in a mass celebration and gives something back to the community.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Pete Smith, said: “This is one of my favourite events of the year. With something for everyone this event attracts thousands of visitors to the city. There is so much taking place that it is advisable for people to download a copy of the programme, or pick one up so their day can be planned out. Don’t forget to head to the HMS Heroes tent to get your 2015 badge, designed by Jemimah Sutton, a Year 8 student from Plymstock School.”
Many past and present serving troops, Veterans, cadets and their families as well as city dignitaries will attend the RAF and Allied Air Force Memorial service at 9.30am, supported by The Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth.
Following the service visitors can watch as Standards, Cadets and Veterans parade across the Promenade. Military ‘Villages’ and the Veterans Village, sponsored by Vodafone, will also open, providing the chance to speak with a number of personnel and organisations as well as see military equipment and vehicles.
Performances will take place in the arena, in the air, on the main stage and on the Plymouth Youth Music Service stage all day.
As well as the Plymouth Youth Music Service there will also be performances by the Military Kids Choir, Military Wives, and Devonport’s Royal Naval Volunteer Band.
Other highlights include the popular air shows, sponsored by UTC Aerospace Systems, and Field Gun Runs.
Visitors will be able to look to the sky and see some amazing air displays with the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon, Tutor and Bulldog flying past at 1pm. More aircrafts will make an appearance at 4.30pm with the Royal Navy’s Black Cat Wildcat Solo, Dr107 One Design, and the RAF Hawker Hunter Jet Fighter.
HM Naval Base Devonport, HMS Raleigh and 29 Commando Royal Artillery will take part in Field Gun Runs at 1.30pm, 2.40pm and 3.45pm. Competing to win the ‘Babcock Cup’. There will also be a junior Field Gun Run, with Pennycross Primary School and the Royal Marine Cadet Corps, taking place at 3.20pm.
Those interested in the media can visit the two BBC exhibitions and try their hand at presenting the weather or get to grips with coding by programming the Doctors’ arch enemy, the Daleks.
An exciting line-up of evening entertainment, sponsored by C&G Catering, will start on the Main Stage at 5pm. Warming the crowds up will be The Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth. X-Factor finalist, Jay James will follow with a mixture of old and new collections.
Beatlemania will take to the stage at 7.15pm playing a number of well-known covers from The Beatles, this performance will provide the ultimate Beatles experience.
The finale of the celebrations will begin at 9.30pm with a performance by ZU2 – the world’s most authentic U2 tribute band.
For a full programme of activities for Armed Forces Day, or to download a programme, go to visitplymouth.co.uk/armedforcesday. The timings are subject to change.
For more information on events in Plymouth visit: www.visitplymouth.co.uk/events
