Scarborough reflects on 'successful' Armed Forces Day National Event
Thousands and thousands came to see a day of displays, exhibitions and parades
Scarborough has been reflecting on what has been described as a great success over the weekend.
It had been postponed since 2019 because of the pandemic.
Tom Fox has been a volunteer on the planning committee and said: "I saw a lot of smiling faces by people that were watching the event and indeed I saw our military, our veterans and people doing the cadets, they were all big beaming smiles and wide open eyes. They were really enjoying the event.
"There's been 11 Armed Forces Days before in Scarborough and they've all been big events but this is massive. It's amazing and as much as the previous ones helped to boost the economy of the town and raises its profile, this is has hit the world highs.
"I went for fish and chips and I just couldn't queue. It was so, so long; the ice creams, fish and chips, food stalls and gift shops. I was talking to somebody saying they'd been up in the town centre thinking it would be quiet and they couldn't move, so it's really, really brought people into the town.
"The town has a reputation for welcoming the military, we've made that very, very clear for a long, long time. Heroes Welcome, which is international now and a body of people that support Armed Forces, it was founded here. John Senior initiated it and people like myself through the council and other people engaged with and supported it."
Councillor Tony Randerson, Scarborough Borough Council Armed Forces champion and cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:
“The experience of putting on a spectacular show for the Armed Forces Day national event will long live in my memory, in the memories of those taking part and all those who travelled to Scarborough from all corners of the country.
“It has been an absolute privilege to host the event and celebrate the commitment, courage and unstinting service of all three Armed Forces.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has made it a reality - Navy, Army, RAF and Ministry of Defence staff, sponsors, partners, the organising committee, local businesses and residents.
“My biggest thanks go to our outstanding council teams. Led by Stuart Clark and his small events team, they have worked endless hours for many months to ensure the magnificent event went to plan and without a hitch. I couldn’t be more proud of their super team effort and everything they have achieved.”
Commodore Phil Waterhouse, Naval Regional Commander for Northern England and the Joint Military Commander for the Armed Forces Day national event,
“The borough of Scarborough can feel rightfully proud to have hosted the Armed Forces Day national event 2022.
“It has been extraordinarily well received by everyone and has given the public a great opportunity to get up close and personal to both their military and also the military’s own personal support mechanism – their families.
“Scarborough has waited nearly four years to host this years’ event and the public has clearly valued and appreciated the show the council, the Armed Forces and others have put on. It has been a wonderfully successful achievement, which the community can give themselves a big ‘salute’ for.”