Family fun for Armed Forces Day celebrations in Bury St Edmunds

Two flypasts, a parade and family event are among the wealth of activities planned in Bury St Edmunds next week to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

West Suffolk has been chosen to host the county celebrations for the national event, which is a chance to show support for the armed forces community.

The events launch with a sunset ceremony parade on Angel Hill on Thursday, June 28 from 6.25pm involving the Navy, Army Air Corps, RAF and USAF.

Weather permitting, there will also be an Apache flypast.

Our communities have always prided themselves in welcoming and supporting the armed forces - Cllr Robert Everitt

A free family event in the Abbey Gardens on Saturday, June 30 from 11am to 4pm includes demonstrations from re-enactors as well as, weather permitting, a flypast by an RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane.

There will be historical exhibitions, military vehicles, fun fair rides, live music, climbing wall, face painting and refreshments.

Residents are warned there will be loud noises in Bury St Edmunds on the day.

In the evening there will be an Armed Forces Day Concert by the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra from 7.30pm at The Apex.

Tickets are available from www.theapex.co.uk

St Edmundsbury Borough Cllr Robert Everitt, portfolio holder responsible for the Armed Forces Covenant, said: "We are currently the home to many UK and US service personnel who are our neighbours and friends as well as having strong ties to the Navy through HMS Vengeance. Our communities have always prided themselves in welcoming and supporting the armed forces, both past and present."

"We hope everyone will join us in supporting these events and our forces and their families."