ARMED Forces Weekend returns to Weymouth today.

The celebrations and commemorations will start this morning with a display of military vehicles along Weymouth Pavilion’s forecourt from 10am followed by live music and entertainment until 3pm. The Decadettes will perform a sing-along tribute to the forces whilst there will also be a performance from the South Wales Police Band.

Sunday sees a open-air service at the cenotaph from 11am with proceedings kicked off with a Hurricane flypast courtesy of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The service is followed by a parade of local veterans, military personnel and vehicles along the Esplanade with band performances carrying the celebrations into the afternoon.

Part of the Esplanade and associated roads will be closed between 10am and 1pm to allow the service and parade to take place. Parking suspensions will also be imposed at some locations.

The events conclude on Monday with a flag raising ceremony outside the town council offices.

Speaking ahead of the events, Councillor Christine James, Armed Forces Covenant Champion said: “What a weekend we have in store. We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors, including many veterans and their families, to Weymouth seafront to celebrate the town’s Armed Forces Weekend.”

“This year’s three-day celebration in support of our armed forces - past, present and future - is especially poignant as we mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.

“Weymouth’s long-standing association with the armed forces means we’re immensely proud to be able to host this event once more. It’s the first time that we’ve been able to run a full programme of celebrations since the pandemic so it’s fantastic to be back as this event really does draw the crowds to our beautiful seaside town.”