Events taking place in the Midlands to commemorate Armed Forces Day
EAST MIDLANDS
Nottingham:
More than 60,000 people are expected to turn out to salute the Armed Forces when Nottingham steps into the national spotlight on Saturday, after the city was chosen to host Armed Forces Day 2013. Kicking off the celebrations will be the Red Arrows, who will fly over Nottingham as the Armed Forces Day parade marches through the city centre.
Hinckley:
The Hinckley armed forces day event will consist of several parts, which will all take place in the town centre. There will be an outdoor drumhead service in Argents Mead, which will be open to the general public to attend. Once the service has taken place there will be a parade through the town centre. The event is free to attend and open to all the general public from 11am to 1pm.
Grantham:
A military themed family fundraising day has been organised in aid of Blind Veterans UK. A Hurricane flypast, face painting, bouncy castle and raffle will all take place from 2pm to 6pm at the Colsterworth Sports and Social Club.
Boston:
There are two events taking place in Bolton on Armed Forces Day. At the Wheatsheaf Inn, live music will be performed by recent Battle of The Band winners The Brink. There will be collection buckets out for people to donate and armed forces themed fancy dress. There will also be a remembrance service and thanksgiving at the Boston War Memorial.
Lincoln:
A day of celebration has been organised in Lincoln from 10am to 4pm. The day will consist of singing, music, demonstrations, exhibitions and ex-service association stands. The venue is over three co-located sites in the city centre: the War Memorial on the High Street, The Cornhill and the City Square.
Castle Donington:
Wheatcroft Military Collection will throw its doors open to current or ex-service personnel, offering free day passes to all who can provide appropriate proof of status. On top of the racing cars, over 100 military vehicles, including tanks, motorcycles and armoured personnel carriers, will be accessible and on show in the Museum's Hall One.
Peterborough:
From 10am to 5pm, Peterborough city centre will have a fairground set up to raise awareness of the work carried out by the armed forces.
Northampton:
Members of the public are invited to celebrate Armed Forces Day on the Market Square in Northampton on Saturday 29 June. Activities for Armed Forces day will take place from 11am until 2:30pm. A speech by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Sir John Robinson will take place at 11:30am
WEST MIDLANDS
Alrewas:
Highlights of the day at the National Memorial Arboretum will include the Armed Forces Day Parade at noon, in which cadets from Burton AFC will perform a drill display. A circus skills workshop, the Dig for Victory vintage fashion show and performances by the Touch of Life Dance Troupe and a local band of saxophonists will keep crowds entertained.
Birmingham:
This year's Armed Forces Day takes place in Victoria, Chamberlain and Centenary Squares from 11am to 5pm. The annual event will include an afternoon of 1940s entertainment, plus the traditional drumhead service and Beat the Retreat.
Stoke-on-Trent:
Up to 200 soldiers will march through the centre of Stoke-on-Trent to mark their return from Afghanistan. Troops from the Queen's Royal Lancers will parade in the city centre, starting on Cheapside. They will then march along Piccadilly, Stafford Street, Quadrant Road, Town Road and to Tontine Square, where Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor, Sheila Pitt, will take the salute. The soldiers will then head down Tontine Street before finishing at Albion Square.
Wolverhampton:
There will be a parade through the city centre of regular, reserve, veteran and cadet forces led by the Pipe Band of the West Midlands Fire Service. The parade will march from Wulfruna Street at 12:30pm and make its way to St Peter's Square where an outdoor drumhead service will take place.
RAF Museum Cosford:
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will once again participate in a special reunion, hosted by Museum staff. There will be free refreshments for guests on arrival at 11am, followed by guided tours around the Museum's Conservation Centre. For lunch, veterans will have the opportunity to dine with other guests amongst the aircraft and artefacts on display in the Museum's Hangar One.
Coventry:
The Lord Mayor of Coventry will lead the city in a service of thanksgiving. Everyone is welcome to attend the service, which will take place in the Cathedral. The preacher will be the Dean of Coventry, the Very Reverend John Witcombe. At the conclusion of the service there will be a short parade where the salute will be taken on the Council House steps. The service will begin at 11am.
Telford:
A group of serving personnel will complete the 5k Telford Parkrun in uniform and as a squad. The servicemen will be completing the full 5km course wearing a full Bomb Disposal Suit in aid of Help for Heroes. The Parkrun will be open to runners as normal.
Droitwich Spa:
An event is taking place at the Droitwich Workingman's Club. Doors will open at 10am, where there will be a raffle. An army themed fancy dress disco has also been organised for the evening.
Worcester:
The Glovers Needle Hungry Horse is holding a Family Day to raise cash for Help For Heroes. There will be face painting, balloon modelling, a raffle and a charity bike-a-thon.
Bulkington:
At the Bulkington War Memorial Club, there will be a parade muster at 6:15pm, which will step off at 6:40pm on a short march to the drumhead service followed by the march back to the club. A buffet is provided for all those attending.
Evesham:
An event is being held at the South Worcestershire College, where a minute silence and flag raising will be followed by live music, raffle and armed forces demonstrations.
Nuneaton:
In Nuneaton town centre and the Ropewalk Shopping Centre, military displays, face painting, stilt-walking and a Gurkha culture band will entertain those who attend.
Malvern:
A parade will be led by the Volunteer Band of the Mercian Regiment and various Cadet Forces to Victoria Park where the Deputy lieutenant of Worcestershire will take the salute and declare the Gala open. There will be two aerial displays at 1pm and 4pm. The Gala runs from noon to 8pm.