Armed Forces Day : Newark Market Place to host annual event

Armed Forces Day in Newark will take place in the Market Place on Sunday.

Having previously been held at Sconce and Devon Park, organisers have moved the event to a more central location so it can be seen by more people.

For the first time, a family fun day will accompany the traditional parade.

The Union flag will be raised in the Market Place, where a salute will be taken.

There will be a display of military vehicles, a first world war field kitchen, Civil War demonstration, boat-rigging displays and competitions,

Military associations will have stalls and there will be militaria on sale.

There will also be face-painting and balloon modelling.

Food and drink will be available and there will be children’s fairground rides

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club will be present.

Music will be provided by Man Bites Dog and Moonshiners.

Mr Keith Girling, who served in the Grenadier Guards and is chairman of Newark Patriotic Fund, said having the parade in the town centre would show a greater respect to those who had seen active service.

A show of support

Mr Ian Harrison, of Newark and Sherwood District Council, who has responsibility for markets, said: “Newark Armed Forces Day is intended to be an opportunity for the community to show their support to the military for all they do to defend our nation and support us during times of conflict.

“This is the first Armed Forces Day event to be held in the centre of Newark and, while the organisers cannot predict the likely attendance on the day, they are expecting a good turn-out.”

The event will start with a marching parade of military associations and cadets from Bridge Street into the Market Place at 10.30am.

It will followed by a salute to a senior serving officer who will address the audience with a summary of current Army activity and emphasise the significant connections between the Armed Forces and the Newark community.

There will be an address and blessing from Rev David Pickersgill, priest-in-charge at Newark.

After the stand down of the parade various activities for all ages will take place until the end of the event at 4pm.

Marquee Swing then starts in the grounds of Newark Castle at 7pm with local duo Swing Nouveau.

Tickets for this are £3 per person and payable at the entrance.