Veterans, serving military personnel, youth organisations and enthusiasts will come together this weekend to pay tribute to the armed forces and remember those who gave their lives.

This year's Weymouth and Portland Armed Forces Day celebrations will kick off on Saturday, June 17 on Weymouth seafront with a display of historic military vehicles, along with charity stands and displays representing armed forces charities and associations.

This will be followed by a ‘1940s comes to Portland’ event from 12pm to 4pm at Osprey Leisure Centre on Portland.

The programme will include a display of historic military vehicles and a performance from the local vintage band ‘The Decadettes’ at 2.30pm.

There will be many displays including WWII memorabilia and information from various veteran agencies and charity organisations will be on show for visitors to learn about their important role and how to support them.

Rachel Barton, director at Osprey Leisure Centre said: "We are delighted to be hosting the Military Vehicles Convey again this year. With free entry it is a great opportunity for people to come along and see the vehicles close up and speak to the owners who have lovingly restored them."

One of the highlights of this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations will be a major military parade with almost 2,000 marching veterans, marching bands and more than 80 historic military vehicles, starting at 11am on Sunday, June 18.

This will be preceded by an open-air service at the British Cenotaph on Weymouth seafront.

The borough council welcomed a £7,500 grant from the Ministry of Defence to help fund the celebrations.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council will be holding an official flag-raising ceremony as part of the national ‘Fly a Flag for our Armed Forces’ day at the Commercial Road council offices on Monday, June 19 at 10.30am.

The Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Kevin Brookes, will lead the flag-raising ceremony accompanied by a short reading and prayer from the Association Chaplin, Reverend Dennis Mould.

Joining the service will be representatives from local armed forces, veterans, Standard Bearers, Military Vehicle Trust and council staff. The general public are also invited to attend.

Cllr Brookes said: “This is one of the many civic events organised by the borough council to commemorate and celebrate our strong links with the allied and British armed forces. This flag raising ceremony is an important demonstration of our support and recognition.

"We continue to engage and support with many local veterans and associations throughout the country and abroad. We would like to express our thanks for the passion and enthusiasm of these many groups and individuals.”

For further information go to visit-dorset.com