Newcastle City Council is inviting residents from across the city to come together on Saturday 27 June to mark Armed Forces Day and to show their support for serving military personnel, veterans and cadets.
The event will begin with cadets and veterans assembling in the grounds of the Civic Centre to march-on to Ceremonial Way where they will be joined by the Lord Mayor for a short flag raising ceremony.
The Last Post will sound before the Armed Forces Day flag is raised. A minute’s silence will then be observed in remembrance of those who lost their lives serving our country, followed by the Reveille to mark the close of the tribute.
A range of activities will then take place throughout the day, with stalls from organisations including the Joint Ex-Serviceman’s Association (JESA), Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) and HMS Calliope on display and a chance to find out more about the support available to members of the armed forces community, including families and veterans. There will also be music, vehicle displays and a range of family friendly activities.
Everyone is welcome to attend and show their support. Veterans wishing to take part in the flag raising ceremony are encouraged to wear appropriate dress, including regimental ties or berets, along with their military service medals.
Councillor David Down, Newcastle City Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:
“Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for our city to come together and recognise the courage, dedication and sacrifice of those who serve, or have served, in our armed forces.
“Newcastle has a long and proud history of support for the armed forces community, and I hope residents will come along and join us for what promises to be a moving and uplifting event.”
Local veteran, Christopher Lloyd-James the Chair of RAFA in the city, said: “Events like this mean a great deal to veterans and serving personnel. It’s not only a time to remember those we’ve lost, but also a chance to reconnect with old friends, share experiences, and feel the continued support of the wider public.
“Seeing people from across the community come together, including younger generations, really makes a difference and reminds us that our service is valued and not forgotten. I’d encourage anyone who can to come along and be part of it.”
Armed Forces Day programme
10am event opens
10:20am standards and cadets form up
10:40am parade steps-off and standards march-on
10:45am Mayoral procession take position on ceremonial way followed by
- Welcome: Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Henry Gallagher
- Speech: Veteran
- Exhortation: For the Fallen
- Last Post
- Flag raising followed by minute’s Silence
- Reveille followed by National Anthem
11:10am Mayoral procession departs
11:15am Stands, activities and attractions (details to be confirmed)
15:00pm Close
For the most up to date information about Armed Forces Day follow us on Facebook.