A DAY packed with fun and events will take place in Victoria Park, St Helens as a tribute takes place to the local Armed Forces community this Saturday.
Members of the public, community groups and families are invited to pack a picnic and head down to the borough’s green flag award-winning park in Windle for St Helens Armed Forces Day.
The annual attraction is being held on Saturday, June 22.
With the weather forecast to be warm and sunny, a large turnout is being expected.
The day will get underway with a parade made up of veterans, serving members of the armed forces and cadets - before a packed programme of entertainment, featuring a 69-field gun Second World War artillery display and drumming routines from the North West Corps of Drums and The Royal Marine Association Corps of Drums.
Other attractions on the day will include vintage military vehicles; WWII field hospital display; children’s funfair; classic cars - as well as the brilliant Anna The Golden Age Songbird who will perform a number of famous wartime hits from the bandstand.
In St Helens Borough, 6,036 household have at least one person who has served in the UK armed forces, working out at 7.5 per cent of all households which is above the England and Wales average.
Encouraging residents to attend, Councillor Jeanette Banks, Mayor of St Helens Borough, said: “Armed Forces Day is one of the most important days on our calendar as we show our appreciation on a local level to those who have given their all for our freedom and safety – and salute the fantastic local organisations that provide vital support for veterans and their families.
“As a council we are committed to supporting and honouring our Armed Forces personnel, past and present, which is evident through events like this which always proves to be a real crowd pleaser - one I’m very much looking forward to attending in my capacity as Mayor of St Helens Borough as we celebrate and thank our local Armed Forces community for their dedicated loyal service."
St Helens Armed Forces Day will take place in Victoria Park between 11am-4pm on Saturday.
Timetable of events
Muster for Armed Forces Day Parade Windlehurst Gate 12pm.
Armed Forces Parade and Mayor's Speech Bandstand 12.15pm
North West Sea Cadet Band Bandstand 12.30pm.
Lancashire Royal Artillery Military Pipers Bandstand Field 12.45 p.m.
Goldenage Songbird Anna Beaumount Bandstand 1.30 p.m.
Royal Marines Association Corps Of Drums Bandstand Field 1.45 p.m.
Lancashire Royal Artillery Military Pipers Main Display Field 2pm.
69 Field Gun Artillery Display Main Display Field 2.15 pm.
Goldenage Songbird Anna Beaumount Bandstand 3pm.
North West Veterans Corps Of Drums Bandstand Field 3pm.
Parking
St Helens Council says: "Individuals may use the surrounding streets for parking.
"Please be considerate to residents when parking, ensuring you do not obstruct driveways and make sure to observe any parking restriction signs."
Between 10 am 4pm no vehicle is permitted to move on the event site (apart from emergency vehicles).
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