Military themed activities for Armed Forces Day celebrations

Crowds enjoyed a series of military themed activities in Bury St Edmunds as the town hosted Suffolk's Armed Forces Day celebrations.

On Saturday, a family event in the Abbey Gardens included re-enactors, exhibitions, military vehicles, fun fair rides, music, a climbing wall and face-painting.

It followed a sunset ceremony parade on Angel Hill on Thursday involving the Navy, Army Air Corps, the RAF and USAF including an Apache flypast.

St Edmundsbury Borough Cllr Robert Everitt, portfolio holder responsible for the Armed Forces Covenant, said there was a 'steady stream of people' at the Abbey Gardens activities throughout Saturday.

He said: "The residents of Bury St Edmunds are so supportive of the military.

"From the base commanders I spoke to, they're so appreciative of the commitment of the townsfolk who turn out not just for that event but also the Armistice and homecoming parades."

Last week, personnel from the HMS Vengeance submarine met dementia hub clients at Bury St Edmunds charity Gatehouse.

Elaine Channen, dementia hub facilitator, said: "It had a huge impact on both parties.

"For the clients who have served, being with the guys and sharing stories, there was a real connection."

The HMS Vengeance personnel also helped decorate the charity's kitchen, painted an outside wall and finished some gardening.

Gatehouse presented them with a 'friendship plaque'.

During the Abbey Gardens event on Saturday, Bury St Edmunds Quakers, and members of other church and peace groups, held an hour-long vigil in the Memorial Peace Garden.

About 40 people stood together in silence holding placards on peacemaking and a banner with the message 'Help us support the men and women of our Armed Forces by working for peace'.

There was also an Armed Forces Day Concert by the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra at The Apex on Saturday night.

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