A crowded Market Place during the celebrations

Preston celebrated in style today with a bumper party for the Armed Forces Day, spectacularly organised by Preston City Councillor, Drew Gale. From military bands and Preston City Wrestling to Batman, there was something to suit everyone’s taste. Although the weather was looking doubtful at first, the sun finally broke through to ensure a dry and and enjoyable time.

WWI Sentry’s guard the War Memorial

The proceedings started with the Standard Bearers escorting the Mayor of Preston and his entourage to the Market Place where the Canon of Preston, Rev. Timothy Lipscombe, gave a short service which was followed by Young Chorister of the year 2012, Louisa Stirland, who sang a moving rendition of Abide With Me. The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Nick Pomfret, said a few words and talked about the meaning of Armed Forces Day. The service was then brought to a conclusion by Louisa Stirland singing the national anthem, God Save Our Queen.

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The delightful Soprano Louisa Striland

The Mayor was then joined by dignitaries and VIP’s in the Harris Museum for a celebration reception, veteran medal awards and a short WWI narration of soldiers letters to home by Preston College drama department.

Honoured Guests in the Harris Museum listen to the WWI soldiers reading their home letters

Looks like Batman took a wrong turning and ended up in Preston instead of Gotham City

Meanwhile, outside on the Flag Market the WWII re-enactment society, in effect, re-enacted the whole of World War II. There was a whole afternoon of Preston City Wrestling to excite the crowds and while all this was going on, there was a whole host of super hero’s walking around the Market Place, Star Wars, Judge Dredd, Batman and many others who delighted all the kids, young and old.
Singer Daniella Gallagher entertained everyone with some good old 40’s songs and while all this was going on there was a vintage Hurricane fly-by which gave a wing-dip salute to the fallen hero’s.

Daniella Gallagher sings some great 40’s songs to really liven things up

Spectators loved the antics of the Preston City Wrestling team

BID Preston’s very own Alan and Nicola enjoying the day’s fun and entertainment

You can view more photos from the day’s extravaganza in the following Flickr slideshow from Cotton Gilly.

Credit must go out to Councillor Drew Gale and BID Preston for putting together such a great day. Well done guys!

Did you go to the Armed Forces Day party? Let us know how it was for you in the comments below.