VISITORS and locals came out this year to celebrate a scaled-back Armed Forces Weekend in Weymouth.
The event was cancelled last year due to coronavirus restrictions at the time, and the town council said it was determined to put on a great show this year - even though a full-scale event could not be held.
Unfortunately there was not a big seafront service and parade which is typically held.
However, respects were still paid to veterans and serving personnel, with a parade of historic military vehicles, as well as music and entertainment.
On the Saturday charity stalls were set up along The Esplanade and a military vehicle display was set up at the Pavillion forecourt.
The military vehicle display generated a buzz of excitement from visitors as staff donned in vintage military clothing surrounded the cars and helped those interested take a closer look.
Performances from Dorset-based vintage singing group, the Decadettes took place outside the Pavillion - transporting visitors back to the 20th century wartime era with their music.
There were also performances by the Dolphin Marching Band from Poole which took place on the day, showing off their synchronised routines.
READ MORE: Parachute display on Weymouth beach cancelled
Royal Engineers veteran, Antony Cowburn arrived in town at around midday to applause after completing his incredible 500-mile walking challenge and proudly carrying the Armed Forces Flag.
One of the most anticipated events of the day, a parachute display from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team which was supposed to land on Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach was sadly cancelled at the last minute.
Crowds were gathered on The Esplanade on Saturday, eagerly waiting to see the parachute landing as a plane flew over head in circles.
However, low clouds meant that it was not possible for the jump to take place and it was announced that it would not be happening for safety reasons.
Chris Wilce, the officer commander of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, said: "We have a meteorological team at RAF Brize Norton where we're based, so they give use a forecast 24 hours before. They gave us a forecast for this morning and it did say between 10 and 11 o'clock this morning that the cloud was supposed to lift and break enough for us to be able to jump.
"But it just hasn't happened on the day unfortunately, which is a real shame because we were really looking forward to jumping at Weymouth today."
One visitor said: "I came down because I've got lots of friends and family who are involved in the armed forces and I just sort of thought it would be a nice occasion to come and see."
He said he personally was not too upset about the parachute landing not happening but understood why some people might be.
He added: "I think that the fact they've got any event on at the moment, considering the circumstance over the past year or so, is quite nice. It's a nice way to show respect to the armed forces."
In support of the Armed Forces Weekend, which is supported by the Ministry of Defence, the Jubilee Clock was lit red, white, and blue.
On Sunday morning a socially-distanced service took place along the Weymouth seafront and was live-streamed online and made available to anyone who could not attend in person.
In the afternoon there was a Veterans Picnic at the Nothe Gardens – featuring more musical performances the Wessex Military Band, The Decadettes, and Weymouth Concert Brass.
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