It’s 50 days until this year’s Armed Forces Day, and to coincide with the countdown, two special events have been announced to be taking place on the June 24 event.
A flypast from a Spitfire – the wartime fighter aircraft favoured by the Royal Air Force – and a parachute display by Jump 4 Heroes has been planned.
It is the second year that Caerphilly will be celebrating Armed Forces Day, and this year the event is sponsored by Oakdale-based defence firm, General Dynamics UK.
The popular event will be held on Saturday June 24 and organisers are hoping to top the successful day in 2016 which say over 10,000 people take to the streets to show support for the Armed Forces community.
The day will begin with an parade through the streets of Caerphilly town centre at 11am, featuring hundreds of service personnel including representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, as well as cadets and Armed Forces veterans. This will be followed by a special Drum Head Service at midday, held on Owain Glyndwr Playing Fields on Crescent Road, which will provide an opportunity for guests and visitors alike to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Visitors will then be invited to an afternoon of fun at Owain Glyndwr Playing Fields, where the area will be taken over by an array of military and charity stands, demonstrations, an events arena, and a music stage.
Phil Hubbard, Chair of the South Wales Armed Forces Day Committee said: “I have no doubt that we will once again receive a warm welcome from Caerphilly especially as businesses like General Dynamics are coming on board to support the event. We have a full schedule of events and entertainment taking place to encourage residents and visitors to join us and Celebrate Armed Forces Day.
Interim Chief Executive, Chris Burns said: “It is fantastic to local businesses supporting this event. It is a real privilege for us to have a flypast from the Iconic spitfire it will be a real treat for residents and visitors alike.”