Rotherham salutes armed forces with military parade and celebrations

The forces flag was raised by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Robert Taylor, and Frazer Avill, chief petty officer at Rotherham Sea Cadets, on Monday (19).

This weekend’s parade will move off from College Street at 10.20am, led by Nottinghamshire Pipes & Drums and followed by inspection, act of worship and speeches in the square.

Singer Paul Hawksworth will perform at 11.25am, after the Notts band at 11.10am, and there will be armed forces related stalls in Effingham Street.

The mayor said: “Rotherham has a long and proud history of supporting the armed forces community and I feel privileged to be leading our borough’s events on Armed Forces Day.

“It’s wonderful to see Rotherham pay tribute to our armed forces community, and that it is so well supported by people from across the borough.

“Armed Forces Day is always a highlight in the Rotherham calendar and I am sure 2023 will be no different.”

Visitors can take advantage of free Saturday parking in all council off-street car parks (excluding Clifton Park and museum).

Cllr Eve Rose Keenan, RMBC’s armed forces champion, added: “Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity for us to all come together to remember and thank those who have fought for our country as well as showing our support for those currently serving.

“But it’s not just about supporting our armed forces community on one day.

“The Rotherham Armed Forces Community Covenant is promise to those who serve, or who have served, and their families which says we will do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged by their service in their day-to-day lives.”