A host of events are being planned to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Preston, from battle renactments to a wrestling match on the Flag Market.
AdvertisementArmed forces champion councillor Drew Gale revealed a spectacular tribute to the armed servicemen, women and their families is to be held in June.
Councillor Gale, who represents the town centre ward, said he felt previous efforts had not reflected the pride Preston felt for its armed forces.
He said: “I went to last year’s event and it felt very dignified but it didn’t say enough about Preston and its attachment to the forces. We’re a garrison town and we want to show how much we appreciate them.
“We’ve managed to pull together a huge range of events for the day and it’s going to be superb no matter whether it’s rain or shine.
“It’s a day every member of the public can enjoy, and particular for all those servicemen and women to bring their families down and see some great entertainment.”
A packed programme of events includes a veterans parade from the Town Hall to the Cenotaph.
Dignatries from the armed forces and council are to be up on the Harris balcony for the day as a 200 plus guest lunch is held in the Museum.
Down on the Flag Market there will be stalls all around the area for various charities and organisations with a connection to the forces.
A battle renactment takes place with the storming of a German field position from the Second World War re-created for all to see the heroism of British troops during the conflict.
For three hours Preston City Wrestling are to construct a ring on the market and big names from the wrestling world, including WWE star Chris Masters, strut their stuff to a crowd of thousands expected to turn out for it.
Councillor Gale said the event was costing the city council nothing as two main sponsors had been lined up.
He said: “BAE are the main sponsor, plus we’ve got fuding from the North West Chamber of Commerce.
“Lancashire County Council are also putting some money in. Everything else is being provided in kind because people understand how important it is to show support for our troops.”
A full programme of events for Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June is to be published in the coming weeks.
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