Exciting plans for this year’s Plymouth Armed Forces Day have been revealed at the official launch on the Hoe.
The annual celebration of Plymouth’s proud military history will be held on the Hoe on Saturday 30 June and as 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, the event will include special commemorations for the force.
Representatives from all the forces, cadets and Plymouth Military Kids Club Heroes gathered on the Hoe as part of this afternoon’s launch.
The Armed Forces Day flag was presented to the Lord Mayor, Councillor Wendy Foster, by Wing Commander Alex Mason, Station Commander at RAF St Mawgan, who said:
“In the Royal Air Force’s 100th year, we are once again proud to offer our support to Plymouth’s Armed Forces Day. Whilst we commemorate the sacrifices of RAF personnel over the last 100 years, we can also celebrate our strong links with the community, now enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant.
“I hope that today’s launch and the exciting plans for June 30 will inspire young people to realise their own potential and be a part of the next 100 years of Royal Air Force history.”
More details have been added to the Armed Forces Day line-up, which will see audiences wowed by air displays, parades, live music and the day-long arena and stage programmes.
Royal Marines from 30 Commando Stonehouse will be demonstrating their unarmed combat display and the popular field gun competitions will be returning, featuring three teams from the tri-services all competing for the Babcock Cup.
Will Erith, Programme Performance Director at Babcock Devonport, said: “Babcock is proud to be working in association with Plymouth City Council again this year to support Armed Forces Day. It is important to acknowledge the vital role that the armed forces play in this country and we are looking forward to taking part in June’s event.”
Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering another fantastic Armed Forces Day this year. Plymouth is a military city and this event gives us all the opportunity to show support for the armed forces, who make such a valuable contribution to our city and the country.
“The team are working incredibly hard to ensure that it’s a day to remember. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy, with a spectacular programme of displays.”
A number of ‘villages’ set out across the Hoe will welcome representatives from the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, Royal Marines and the emergency services. Static vehicles and equipment, the Royal Navy Dive Tank, helicopters and vintage fire engines will all be on display for visitors to see up close.
The veterans village will also be returning with over 80 charities and organisations expected to showcase the work they do.
During the evening, an exciting stage programme is being planned, sponsored by C & G Catering, offering a night of free live music for audiences to enjoy. Confirmed acts so far include swing pop group Jack Pack and a tribute act of one of rock’s most outstanding stars, Freddie Mercury. Headlining the evening will be the lively eight-musician Capitol Motown and Soul Band, who will be performing classic Motown tunes against the stunning backdrop of Plymouth Sound.
Over 50,000 visitors are expected to visit Plymouth Hoe during the day. More details will be added to the event programme over the coming months.