Hundreds of thousands expected in Falmouth for Armed Forces Day

The largest-ever military parade will take place at 11

Author: Megan Price Published 24th Jun 2023

Armed Forces Day is being hosted in Falmouth today (Saturday 24 June).

More than 100,000 extra visitors are expected to come to the town - as the largest ever military parade is being hosted alongside displays on land, sea and in the air.

The National Event, hosted here, is estimated to bring between ÂŁ5.5m and ÂŁ7m to the town across the weekend.

Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager, said: "There's nearly two hours of flying displays. That is a real pinnacle of what's happening, there's a formal parade as well.

"It's never happened in Cornwall before and there'll be loads to see.

Richard added: "There's a park and ride service from the Penryn Campus, so people should come in that way, as a lot of the carparks are being used for different activities throughout the day so people plan their journeys as best they can."

Falmouth, which populates around 20,000 people, will be put on the national spotlight as it hosts the unique national tribute to the UK's armed forces.

It'll sit alongside other major events across the town this summer - including the International Sea Shanty Festival, hosted last week, and the Tall Ships race in August.

Louis Gardner, portfolio holder of the economy, said: "They do so much for us all of the time that people don't even think about. This is just to highlight that, to say thank you, not only to them but the reserve forces and to their families as well."

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