Military magician launches the countdown to national Armed Forces Day celebrations in Liverpool

Britain's Got Talent winner Lance Corporal Richard Jones

Liverpool is kicking off the national celebrations honouring servicemen and women with a sprinkling of magic.

Last year's Britain's Got Talent winner Lance Corporal Richard Jones signals the start of the city's Armed Forces Day festivities by raising a special flag at the town hall.

The serving soldier is being joined by Lord Mayor Malcolm Kennedy and Commodore Phil Waterhouse.

Meanwhile, the Cunard Building will be lit up in red, white and blue each evening and a number of Thank You banners will be put up on the front of St George’s Hall from Wednesday.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to Liverpool’s waterfront from 11am on Saturday 24 June.

The day begins with around 1,000 serving personnel, veterans, cadets and marching bands taking part in a parade from St George’s Hall to Princes Parade where a salute will be given by a number of special guests and dignitaries, including the Earl of Wessex.

Activities will take place across the waterfront until 5pm and will take place in zones dedicated to all three military services.