Weymouth Town Council confirms final plans for Armed Forces Weekend
Weymouth Town Council is pleased to confirm its final plans for the annual Armed Forces Weekend which will take place this weekend (Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June 2021) and is happy to announce that a parachute display from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team will be taking place as part of the weekend.
In support of the Armed Forces Weekend, the Jubilee Clock will be lit red, white, and blue.
This year’s Armed Forces Weekend, supported by the Ministry of Defence, has been scaled back because of coronavirus restrictions.
The starting times for Saturday’s events, which will take place on the Pavilion end of the seafront and the Pavilion forecourt, are as follows:
10am – Military vehicles and veterans charity stalls open (until 3.30pm)
10.30am – Parachute display from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team landing on Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach (to comply with social distancing, we recommend that viewers spread out along the seafront)
11.30am – Performance by The Decadettes
12pm – Arrival of Antony Cowburn (Royal Engineers veteran) completing his 500-mile walking challenge, proudly carrying the Armed Forces Flag
12.10pm – Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony
12.30pm – Performance by the Dolphin Marching Band
1.15pm – Performance by The Decadettes
2.15pm – Performance by the Dolphin Marching Band
All are welcome, but please respect other visitors and social distance from those not in your group.
On Sunday, there will not be the traditional service and parade on Weymouth Seafront. This will be replaced by a service in the Nothe Fort (access by invitation only as there is limited capacity). The service will be live streamed on Weymouth Town Council’s Facebook page from 10.55am.
On Sunday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm, there will be a Veterans Picnic at the Nothe Gardens – this will feature performances from the Wessex Military Band (1pm), The Decadettes (1.45pm), and Weymouth Concert Brass (2.30pm). This event is open to everyone, but please respect other visitors and social distance from those not in your group.
Cllr Colin Huckle, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, said:
“It is with great regret that the Town Council cannot host a full-scale Armed Forces Weekend this year. However, we are determined to put on a great show on for our local and visiting veterans assisted by our fabulous entertainers, volunteers, and enthusiastic event community.
“I am really looking forward to the weekend meeting many veterans and I will be saluting the magnificent men from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team as they land on Weymouth Beach on Saturday morning.”
Royal Air Force Flt Lt Chris Wilce of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to parachute our team on to Weymouth Beach in support of the town’s Armed Forces Weekend and to celebrate the Falcons Parachute Team’s 60th Anniversary. We are also very aware of Weymouth’s proud military history and strong connections with our armed forces.
“We look forward to putting on a tremendous show of skill and professionalism and giving the salute to the Mayor of Weymouth on completion of the parachute display”.
The Falcon’s parachute Team landing on Weymouth Beach will consist of eight serving members of the Royal Air Force. They will jump from a maximum height of 12,000ft to a minimum of 2,500ft depending on weather conditions on the day and plan on using the team’s Dornier Do-228 aircraft.