The Royal Navy helped launch plans for Plymouth Armed Forces Day unveiled yesterday.
Plymouth Armed Forces Day - Saturday 24 June - is organised by Plymouth City Council with Babcock as title sponsor, and is fully supported by the Armed Forces and businesses across the city.
Each year Plymouth aims to raise awareness and support for the Armed Forces and celebrate the outstanding contribution they make to the city and the UK.
The countdown to this year’s Plymouth Armed Forces Day has begun with the Armed Forces Day flag presented to the city following a thrilling journey across Plymouth Sound to Stonehouse Barracks, involving a Royal Marines landing craft, zip wire and a weapons platform vehicle.
The launch began with former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod, who lost three limbs in an explosion in Afghanistan, joining the commanding officer of 30 Cdo Royal Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Nik Cavill, on board a Royal Marines landing craft.
Lt Col Cavill said: “It is always a highlight in our calendar and preparations are well underway to make this the best Armed Forces Day yet.”
The pair sailed across Plymouth Sound from the Barbican to Stonehouse Barracks carrying the Armed Forces Day flag, which was taken to the top of the Eastern King Fort, along with the title sponsors Babcock’s flag, before being brought down a specifically made zip wire by commandos.
The flag was presented to the Lord Mayor Pauline Murphy joined by a delegation including Babcock, the RAF, Royal Navy and Army, Royal British Legion, Councillor Glenn Jordan, and cadets and Military Kids Club Heroes.
Babcock Managing Director Craig Lockhart said: “Babcock is delighted and proud to support Plymouth Armed Forces Day again this year. This fantastic event is a great celebration for civilians, the military and their families alike and we look
“Forward to working with Plymouth City Council and our Armed Forces colleagues to make this year’s event even better than ever.
“It is wonderful to see so many people celebrating in the work we do and it makes every serving soldier, sailor, airman, marine, reservist and veteran immensely proud to take part.”
This year’s family-friendly Armed Forces Day is expected to attract more than 40,000 people as it promises exciting displays, interactive activities, military bands, parades and an air show. More than 120 exhibitors will attend.
Military attractions including weapons displays, static helicopters, vehicles and equipment.
A highlight will be the Senior Field Gun competitions featuring HMNB Devonport, HMS Raleigh and HMS Ocean.
Royal Navy, Army, RAF, Royal Marines and Veterans’ organisations, charities and the emergency services will showcase their services on the Hoe.
The line-up for an evening concert will include the Military Wives Choir, Joey and the Lips and eighties favourite Toyah Willcox.
Councillor Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “As a military city, Plymouth has a strong link to the military and we are really excited to be delivering an action-packed programme for this year’s Armed Forces Day.
“As well as being fun, the event also carries a strong message, an opportunity to show our support to the Armed Forces, from those currently serving to reservists, veterans, cadets and their families.
“Our event’s team are pulling out all the stops to ensure it will be a spectacular day to remember.”
The full programme and evening line-up is still being finalised. Updated information on plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk
