Armed Forces Day events across the West Midlands
"It's essential that we, as a society, remember and celebrate those that put their country before themselves and ensure that their service is never forgotten."To Gordon Munro, former soldier and vice-chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Armed Forces Day is more than just a date in the calendar."Whether people have served on the front lines, supported from home, or been the family holding the fort, we all know that military life demands a lot," he said.Areas across the West Midlands are holding events this weekend to mark the occasion on Saturday.
Mr Munro, who served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps for nine years, described the occasion as "a proper moment of recognition". Armed Forces Day is the culmination of a week of celebrations, which started on 23 June.It is a day to show support for all members of the military, from those currently serving to veterans, cadets, and families of members.Here are some of the events happening around the region this weekend:
Birmingham and Black Country
Himley Hall and Park in Dudley is hosting its 16th Armed Forces Day event on 29 June.Running from 11:00 to 16:00 BST, it will include a vintage and craft market, tea for the troops, and vintage fairground rides.The Mayor of Dudley will present HM Armed Forces Veterans Badges to eligible veterans.In Solihull on Saturday, a celebration is taking place at The Royal British Legion branch on Union Road from 12:00 to 18:00.It is described as a family day with buffet food, a live singer and family entertainment.
Coventry and Warwickshire
The Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa will host a free community event on Saturday, from 11:00 to 15:00.On offer will be live performances, military vehicles, children's activities, a tri-service competition and a fly-past from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Avro Lancaster.Coventry's series of events on Saturday kicks off with a service of thanksgiving in Holy Trinity Church at 10:30, followed by a parade.The parade will be led by the 13th Coventry Scout Band from 11:30, heading to Broadgate, where there will be a civic salute from the presentation stage."In these times of conflict, it's a chance to show how grateful we are to all those who have served, are serving and the families that support them, and the support we receive from the armed services in the city's work for peace," said the Lord Mayor of Coventry, councillor Rachel Lancaster.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Herefordshire Armed Forces Day is taking place on Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00 at The Old Market Shopping Centre in Hereford.It promises exhibitions, displays and entertainment by military charities and support groups.In Worcester on Sunday will be a wheelchair basketball tournament at Worcester University from 09:00 to 19:00.It is held by Police UK Disability Sport - its directors are all armed forces veterans and have competed in the Invictus Games.The tournament will see four teams - police, a community club and two armed forces - compete throughout the day.It is free to attend for all armed forces families.
Shropshire
In Donnington, Telford, on Saturday will be an armed forces fun day, running from 09:00 to 18:00.Held on Broadoaks playing field, the event is free and includes live music, a fun fair, military vehicles and activities run by armed forces members.Also on Saturday, a group of military musicians will perform in Ellesmere."I'm thrilled that the Royal Household Division has given permission for a string quartet from the Duchess of Edinburgh's Orchestra to support Ellesmere's Armed Forces Day," said the town's mayor, councillor Liz Woodbridge."I'm particularly proud that a member of the quartet is my son."There will be musical entertainment from local schoolchildren, a flag-raising ceremony and a two-minute silence at 10:00.Military vehicles will be on display, and there will be a display at Ellesmere Library, which includes memories of the war from local people.The afternoon will see a sold-out 1940s-style concert.
Staffordshire
The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will hold events on Saturday and Sunday.Activities include live performances, vehicle displays, a veteran's village and food and drinks.There will be a daily act of remembrance on both days.Stoke-on-Trent will host an event at Queen's Park, Longton, on Sunday from 12:30 to 15:15.There will be live music, a parade, activities and a fly-past from a Dakota jet.Finally, there will be a family event at Queen's Park, Crewe, on Saturday and Sunday.The events will feature military vehicles, memorabilia, army displays and a picnic in the park.
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton's event is free and will be held at West Park from 12:00 to 16:00 on Saturday.There is a programme of entertainment throughout the day, including a military parade and salute.Also on the agenda is live music, exhibitions, arts and crafts and street food.
More events across the region can be found on the Armed Forces Day website.
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Flying displays and parades mark Armed Forces Day in Scarborough
Thousands of people attended Armed Forces Day celebrations at Scarborough's South Bay earlier in support of military events at St Nicholas Gardens included marching bands, air displays and parades, while also marking 80 years since the D-Day Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said the celebrations were a reminder of the importance of the armed said: "It is a very uncertain time, as a government we're looking to spend more on defence. "The world is shifting on its axis so today is an important reminder that it's not just about the past, it's about keeping our country safe today."Some people aren't here today and we have to remember them. Others who have served and are here today are a reminder of how much we depend on people to serve so that we can enjoy all the freedoms of democracy." Wing Cdr Toby Steward, station commander at RAF Fylingdales near Pickering said his team were proud to be involved in the said: "It's enormously important because of the incredible efforts that we all know the armed forces are making at the moment here and overseas and I think that sense of recognition adds to the energy."The event included displays from the Norwegian Marching Bands, the City of Hull and Scarborough Royal Air Force Cadets and Starlings Aerobatic Team. Hume said she had attended the parades before, but it was her first year attending as MP for the town."We do a really good armed forces day in Scarborough, it's great to see the town turn out," she said."I'm incredibly proud to represent a town like this that puts veterans and service personnel at the heart."I always look forward to the parades. I look forward to seeing the Sea Cadets particularly, I've got a soft spot for them. Their parents will be incredibly proud of them." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Newbury Armed Forces Day parade celebrates Army map-makers
An Armed Forces Day parade has marked the bicentenary of British army map-making in Berkshire was the home of 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic) until 2014 and remains a base for nearby Newbury, the Royal Engineers exercised their Freedom of the Town with a march which celebrated the 200th birthday of three of the regiment's Armed Forces Day events were held across the country, including a national celebration at Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire. In Newbury, a large crowd turned out for the event, which included the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Paul Thomas said: "I absolutely love doing these parades."The civilian community basically only see the British army when we're parading through the streets... Armed Forces Day is a very important day for us to show off ourselves in this way."Ian Thurgate, who served in the Royal Engineers, said: "We're very proud to be part of Newbury and I hope that Newbury's very proud that we're on the doorstep." The map-making units were formed in 1825 to undertake the Ordnance Survey of Ireland, according to Newbury Town mayor of Newbury, Councillor David Harman, said: "Our long and friendly relationship with the Royal Engineers culminated in the granting of the Freedom of the Town in 1997, and we are proud to celebrate that ongoing bond." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Edinburgh Live
3 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Veterans line Edinburgh's streets to commemorate Armed Forces Day
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh welcomed the return of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 28 as hundreds of veterans and their supporters lined the streets to mark the occasion. A parade led by the Highland and Lowland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland gathered at Charlotte Square at 10am before it proceeded along their planned route which saw them march down George Street, passing a saluting dias at the Assembly Rooms. Finishing up at St Andrews Square, crowds were then treated to an address by the Lord Provost and military. Vintage military vehicles provided by the Scottish Military Vehicle Group led the parade and were on display throughout the day, as well as vintage kit and equipment that would have been used by the armed forces over the years. It was one of many Armed Forces Day celebrations held across the country in a show of support and appreciation for the armed forces. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
