What's on in Weymouth for Armed Forces Weekend
A scaled back plan of events has been confirmed
Last updated 18th Jun 2021
Armed Forces Day will be celebrated in Weymouth this weekend but socially distanced, of course!
Weymouth Town Council have confirmed the events that will be taking place on today and tomorrow.
The weekend supported by the Ministry of Defence has been scaled back because of coronavirus restrictions.
A highlight is a display from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team that will jump from a maximum height of 12,000ft to a minimum of 2,500ft (weather dependent) on to Weymouth beach using the team's Dornier Do-228 aircraft.
Everyone is welcome but we are being asked to respect visitors and social distance from those not spending the day with our group.
Cllr Colin Huckle, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, said:
"It is with great regret that the Town Council cannot host a full-scale Armed Forces Weekend this year. However, we are determined to put on a great show on for our local and visiting veterans assisted by our fabulous entertainers, volunteers, and enthusiastic event community.
"I am really looking forward to the weekend meeting many veterans and I will be saluting the magnificent men from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team as they land on Weymouth Beach on Saturday morning."
WHAT'S HAPPENING ON SATURDAY
Saturday's events will take place on the Pavilion end of the seafront and the Pavilion forecourt, they are as follows:
10am - Military vehicles and veterans charity stalls open (until 3.30pm)
10.30am - Parachute display from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team landing on Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach (to comply with social distancing, we recommend that viewers spread out along the seafront)
11.30am - Performance by The Decadettes
12pm - Arrival of Antony Cowburn (Royal Engineers veteran) completing his 500-mile walking challenge, proudly carrying the Armed Forces Flag
12.10pm - Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony
12.30pm - Performance by the Dolphin Marching Band
1.15pm - Performance by The Decadettes
2.15pm - Performance by the Dolphin Marching Band
WHAT'S HAPPENING ON SUNDAY
On Sunday, there will not be the traditional service and parade on Weymouth Seafront.
This will be replaced by a service in the Nothe Fort (access by invitation only as there is limited capacity).
The service will be live streamed on Weymouth Town Council's Facebook page from 10.55am.
On Sunday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm, there will be a Veterans Picnic at the Nothe Gardens - this will feature performances from the Wessex Military Band (1pm), The Decadettes (1.45pm), and Weymouth Concert Brass (2.30pm).