Busy programme for Armed Forces Day in Rotherham

Armed Forces Day 2018 will take place on Saturday, June 30, and finishing touches are currently being made to an action-packed programme of entertainment and activities.

The day will begin with a parade at 10.30am from Rotherham Town Hall led by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Alan Buckley, followed by a ceremony in All Saints’ Square to remember the fallen and give thanks to veterans and active servicemen and women. 

There will also be faith blessings and the official Armed Forces Day flag will be raised at 11.25am by a military veteran.

Cllr Ian Jones, Rotherham Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said the day would be something for everyone to look forward to. 

“Armed Forces Day is one of the highlights in the calendar and it’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone from all backgrounds and faiths to come together in a show of thanks for the efforts of our Armed Forces,” he said.

“We are planning for this year to be the best occasion yet. The parade will be led by the band of The Royal Armoured Corps and we hope everyone will get behind it and join in our great family event.”

Entertainment confirmed for this year includes a Dame Vera Lynn tribute act, music from the South Yorkshire Police Band and a performance by singing Rotherham PCSO Paul Newman.

The day will also feature street entertainment, a range of stalls and performances by award-winning cadets.

A time is yet to be confirmed for the Lancaster Bomber flypast.