Hurricane flypast set for Northampton's Armed Forces Day celebrations

The 9th/12th Royal Lancers parading through Northampton in 2014 after returning from an eight month tour of the Helmad Province, Afganistan. NNL-140629-234644005

Saturday, June 25 will mark the eighth National Armed Forces Day, across the UK with a series of events planned her in Northampton.

A marching parade of serving troops, veterans and cadets will gather at the top of Abington Street at 10am before heading through the town at 10.30am towards Market Square. Throughout the day there will be a host activities including vintage vehicles and reserve force displays in the market.

Finally at 4.20pm a Hawker Hurricane will make a flypast over the town. The plane became renowned during the Battle of Britain and served in all the major theatres of the Second World War.

Phillip York from the Northampton Branch of the Royal British Legion said: “We have lots going on throughout the day.

“The cadet forces bands will be playing and the Rock Choir will also be performing. Northampton Royal British Legion will be having a tombola stall and there will also be a visit from the poppy trailer.”

Leader of Northampton Borough Council Councillor Mary Markham will start off the celebration by raising the Union flag in a short ceremony at the Guildhall at 10am on Monday, June 20, alongside mayor Councillor Christopher Malpas.

On June 25 there will also be a chance to meet charities and groups that support military personnel, including the British Legion, Royal Air Force Association, Western Front Association, Royal Marines, Rewards for Forces, Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association and NHS Nene Commissioning Group.

Cabinet member for community engagement Councillor Anna King said: “I would encourage everyone to come into the town centre to celebrate Armed Forces Day to show how proud we are of our veterans, cadets and active service personnel.”