Celebrate Armed Forces Day at Northampton’s Market Square this Saturday
Armed Forces Day will be celebrated at Northampton’s Market Square this Saturday, 27th June between 10am and 3pm, with musical entertainment, talks, information stands and vehicle displays.
The free event, organised by Northampton Town Council, opens at 10am with welcome speeches at 10.30am from the Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Mike Hallam and Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Military Veteran Dominic Goble JP, followed by a stage lineup hosted by NLive Radio featuring guest speakers, interviews and live music.
Unfortunately due to the extreme heat and humidity forecast, the decision has been made to cancel the parade scheduled to take place at 10am following national direction issued across the armed forces. The static element of the event will still go ahead as planned. There will be a shaded area within the square for visitors, please ensure you stay safe in the heat; drink plenty, wear sunscreen and a hat.
The Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Mike Hallam, said:
“While it is disappointing to cancel the parade element of Armed Forces Day, the safety of participants and spectators must come first, with extreme temperatures forecast. We look forward to continuing the rest of the event with a range of stallholders, vehicle displays, and musical performances on the market square and celebrating the invaluable contribution of our Armed Forces.”
Visitors can hear live music from 11am starting with ‘5F Squadron RAF Air Cadet Band’ followed by vintage vocal trio ‘The Starlight Sisters’ at 11.45pm, singing songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s.
The RNA (Royal Naval Association) Riders Branch will then present a cheque to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity celebrating their fundraising campaigns and hard work within the community.
At 12.45pm and 1.45pm we are joined on stage by local favourites ‘Abington Wind Band’ with talks from The Royal British Legion highlighting the importance of the annual poppy appeal and the Veterans Community Network describing the invaluable support they offer veterans.
A variety of armed forces charities and community information stalls will be set up on the square, including the Royal British Legion, ABF - Army Benevolent Fund - The Soldiers Charity, SSAFA - Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association, The Royal Air Forces Association, 103 & 118 REME Cadets Recruitment, VCN - Veterans Community Network, Help For Heroes, NHTF - Talking Therapies NHS, COFEPOW - Children and Families of the Far East Prisoners of War, Northants & Hunts Masons - Discover Freemasonry, The Veterans Charity, Girl Guiding Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire Volunteer Police & Emergency Service Cadets, Northamptonshire Association for the Blind, RNA - Royal Naval Association Riders Branch, Veterans Foundation Charity Lottery, Northampton Town Council Local Heritage Stall and NLive Radio, alongside information on the Defence Medical Welfare Service’s project ‘Thrive Together.’
Children can also enjoy free face painting, plus an Armed Forces Day colouring station and the chance to explore the selection of vehicles on display.
On Armed Forces Day, we celebrate and show gratitude to our serving personnel, veterans and military charities and learn more about their vital work in the UK and overseas. Everyone is welcome to come along, speak with representatives and enjoy the free family entertainment on offer.
Visit the town council’s website to view the schedule for the Armed Forces Day event: www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/armed-forces-day