Weymouth’s Armed Forces Weekend launches today – and it’s going to be a scaled-back event compared to previous years.

The town council said it was determined to put on a great show, even though a full-scale event cannot be held.

Unfortunately there will be no big seafront service and parade tomorrow.

Respects will still be paid to veterans and serving personnel, with a parade of historic military vehicles, as well as music and entertainment over the weekend.

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In support of the Armed Forces Weekend,which is supported by the Ministry of Defence, the Jubilee Clock will be lit red, white, and blue.

Today from 10am to 3.30pm there will be veterans’ charity stalls and a military vehicles display on the Pavillion forecourt.

At 10.30am today there will be a display from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team which will be landing at the Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach.

The parachute team landing on Weymouth Beach will consist of eight serving members of the Royal Air Force. They will jump from a maximum height of 12,000ft to a minimum of 2,500ft depending on weather conditions on the day and plan on using the team’s Dornier Do-228 aircraft.

At 11.30am a performance by the Dorset based vintage singing group, the Decadettes will take place, and they will perform again later in the day at 1.15pm.

Following this, at 12pm Royal Engineers veteran, Antony Cowburn will arrive in town, completing his incredible 500-mile walking challenge and proudly carrying the Armed Forces Flag.

Shortly after at 12.10pm an Armed Forces flag raising ceremony will be held.

At 12.30pm a performance by the Dolphin Marching Band from Poole will then take place, they will perform their routine again at 2.15pm.

On Sunday, there will not be the traditional service and parade on Weymouth Seafront. This will be replaced by a service in the Nothe Fort (access by invitation only as there is limited capacity). The service will be live streamed on Weymouth Town Council’s Facebook page from 10.55am.

Then on Sunday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm, there will be a Veterans Picnic at the Nothe Gardens – this will feature performances from the Wessex Military Band (1pm), The Decadettes (1.45pm), and Weymouth Concert Brass (2.30pm).

This event is open to everyone.

Cllr Colin Huckle, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, said:“It is with great regret that the Town Council cannot host a full-scale Armed Forces Weekend this year. However, we are determined to put on a great show on for our local and visiting veterans assisted by our fabulous entertainers, volunteers, and enthusiastic event community.

“I am really looking forward to the weekend meeting many veterans and I will be saluting the magnificent men from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team as they land on Weymouth Beach on Saturday morning.”

Royal Air Force Flt Lt Chris Wilce of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to parachute our team on to Weymouth Beach in support of the town’s Armed Forces Weekend and to celebrate the Falcons Parachute Team’s 60th Anniversary. We are also very aware of Weymouth’s proud military history and strong connections with our armed forces.

“We look forward to putting on a tremendous show of skill and professionalism and giving the salute to the Mayor of Weymouth on completion of the parachute display”.