Full Armed Forces Day programme revealed
It's coming to Falmouth on the 24th of June
More details have been revealed about Falmouth's Armed Forces Day celebrations next month.
The full line-up of events has been announced, which will include a parade, live music, an air display and flypast, military showmanship, fireworks, sports events, a proms style concert at Pendennis Castle and much more.
Organisers say it'll be 'the most impressive programme of military pageantry and displays ever planned in Cornwall', with an estimated economic boost to the local economy of between £5.5 and £7 million.
You can view the entire events list here.
'A national shop window for Cornwall to be seen at its very best'
Louis Gardner, Cabinet Member for the Economy, and himself a Veteran Royal Navy Submariner, is Cornwall Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion.
Cllr Gardner said: “Weeks of community celebrations and a flag relay across the length of Cornwall and Scilly are already under way, and the culmination will be a weekend of breath-taking events in Falmouth centred on 24 June.
"There will be a Military Village where you can experience forces equipment up close, and a Proms-style outdoor concert and firework display in the magical setting of Henry Vlll’s Pendennis Castle.”
“This will be a free, family-friendly festival open to everyone, and a national shop-window for Cornwall to be seen at its very best.”
It's thought the event will attract more than 100,000 visitors - to minimise traffic congestion and business disruption in Falmouth’s town centre there's going to be a one-day Park & Ride service on Saturday 24 June based at Falmouth University’s Tremough campus.
There will be closures of car parks, some roads will become pedestrian-only, and others will have temporary ‘no stopping’ orders.
Cllr Gardner added: “So, if you intend to travel to Falmouth for the main events on 24 June please avoid driving into town. Follow the signs and take advantage of the special Park & Ride service from the University. Remember - car parks in Falmouth will be closed.”
Air Cdre Polly Perkins said: “I’m really excited to see Cornwall come together for such an incredible event and I know that our Service Personnel will feel extremely grateful for the support that the whole community is showing.
"I know that the whole Armed Forces Community finds this type of event as inspiring as I do and we are proud to showcase what a world class organisation we are.”