The national Armed Forces Day event, which is the culmination of Armed Forces Week, will take place in Scarborough on Saturday in front of thousands of members of the public.
The North Yorkshire coastal town will play host to an array of exciting attractions, including a parade featuring the 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (1 YORKS), an esports tournament, and several musical performances.
Hundreds of serving Army personnel, cadets, and veterans, as well as representatives from the Royal Navy and RAF, will be present throughout the day.
To have this in Yorkshire in a summer month is superb Lieutenant Colonel Exton
Lieutenant Colonel Exton, Commanding Officer (CO) of 1 YORKS, said: “It’s a real privilege to be marching in front of a home crowd. This will be a chance for the public to understand a bit more about our capabilities as an infantry battalion and what we offer the Army.
“Being part of the national event is fantastic. To have this in Yorkshire in a summer month, in front of so many dignitaries and the public, is superb and an opportunity for us to connect with people.”
It will be a chance for soldiers and civilians alike to enjoy festivities that have been out off since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and to thank each other for the support over the years.
Most of the action is due to take place in South Bay, with the exceptions of Scarborough Spa hosting the esports games and a military presentation, and North Bay seeing part of the 1 YORKS parade.
Musical displays will include Soldiers of Swing (twice), the York Military Wives Choir, and the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment, which is based in Huddersfield.
An array of military stands will be set up, where people can speak to service personnel and have a look at some of the equipment that soldiers use on operations.
The RAF will contribute with a series of displays including the famous Red Arrows, the Falcons performing a parachute jump, and the Battle of Britain memorial flight, while the Royal Navy are sending ashore Wildcat helicopters and the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood.
The last public event of the day will see three cheers ring out for the Armed Forces at the sunset ceremony.
A full programme produced by Scarborough Borough Council, whose staff have worked tirelessly in their support of Armed Forces Day, is available by clicking here.