ARMED Forces Day celebrations in Weymouth are set to be a blast.
Veterans, serving military personnel, youth organisations and enthusiasts will gather in the resort next month to pay tribute to the armed forces and remember those who have given their lives.
Weymouth is known for putting on quite a spectacle and having one of the largest gatherings in the country.
This year will again see a major parade with 2,000 veterans, marching bands and more than 80 historic military vehicles.
The event's success is thanks to the time and commitment put in by many local veterans and associations who assist Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's events team with the planning, build-up and hosting of this major annual event.
Organisers are grateful to the Ministry of Defence which is supporting the event with a £7,500 grant.
Picture below shows council briefholder Jason Osborne and Events Manager Charlotte Sheppard joined by event steering group members to celebrate the MOD funding
This year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations will be held on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18. Most events take place on Weymouth seafront.
The borough has historically held its military parade and other events the weekend before the national Armed Forces Day which this year is on Saturday, June 24.
Nick Thornley, Head of Economy, Leisure and Tourism at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “Weymouth and Portland is very proud to stage one of the country’s leading annual veterans' events.
"We look forward to giving a warm and hospitable welcome to many thousands of veterans, armed forces personnel and their many visiting friends and family.”
On the Sunday, from 11am, an open-air service at the British Cenotaph on Weymouth seafront will be followed by a major military parade.
Among the highlights of the festivities are a magnificent historic military vehicle display and rally, memorabilia and photos reflecting the era and wartime impact on local communities.
There will also be a number of veterans’ charities on hand to educate visitors about the important role they play and how to support them.
Following on from the success of last year’s event, the ‘1940s Comes to Portland’ event returns to the Osprey Leisure Centre, which will include 1940’s displays, exhibitions, music and a performance from popular local vintage group ‘The Decadettes’.
Events timetable
Saturday, June 17
10am-12pm: Static historic military vehicle display, Pavilion forecourt
12pm-4pm: 1940’s comes to Portland, Osprey Leisure Centre
Depart 12.30pm: Historic military vehicle convoy to Portland
All day: Ex-service association awareness & fundraising, Weymouth seafront
Sunday, June 18
11am: Open air church service, veterans parade and vehicle convoy, Weymouth seafront
From 12.45 pm: Sing-a-long with the Decadettes Ocean Room, Weymouth Pavilion
From 1pm: Band performances, Pavilion forecourt
All day: Historic military vehicle static display, Weymouth seafront
All day: Ex-service association awareness & fundraising, Weymouth seafront
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