Armed Forces Day was celebrated in Preston city centre during Saturday (30 June) with a parade by the Duke of Lancaster Regiment and star-studded performers.
Led by mounted police, the Duke of Lancaster Regiment paraded a 40-minute route through the streets of Preston city centre, with hundreds of spectators lining the new outdoor market, Fishergate and the Flag Market to catch a glimpse of the dozens of armed soldiers.
The regiment paused in front of the Cenotaph in remembrance, followed by a prayer and a singing of the National Anthem.
Shortly after, the East Lancashire Concert Band performed military and war classics to a large crowd gathered on the Flag Market. The band played to raise awareness for the centenary of the 1918 Armistice.
Read more: See more pictures from Preston’s Armed Forces Day
Winner of The Voice 2016 and Chorley-born artist Kevin Simm sang a range of modern hits, including a touching rendition of BeyoncĂ©âs âHaloâ which moved some of the audience to tears. Prior to winning The Voice, Kevin was a member of the hit pop band âLiberty Xâ.
Speaking during his performance, Kevin described the opportunity to perform on Armed Forces Day as an âhonourâ, and praised the members of the armed forces in attendance.
Father-son duo Jack and Tim, who famously received a âgolden buzzerâ from Simon Cowell during this yearâs Britainâs Got Talent also performed to crowds on the Flag market, singing a range of the hits that they sang during the talent show. The pair made it to the live finals.
Despite technical difficulties with a backing keyboard, they kept in high spirits with Jack, 12, entertaining those watching with his version of the viral âfloss danceâ, made popular through the popular video game Fortnite.
Read more: Here’s what’s on at Preston’s Flag Market during summer 2018
Lancashire Police maintained a heavy presence throughout the day, leading and lining the parade and route, as well as sealing litter bins across the city centre shut. Armed police also patrolled the city, with officers armed with tasers being concentrated on the flag market.Â