Photo / broadcast opportunities – Armed Forces Weekend
Weymouth Town Council is gearing up for an incredible few days celebrating Armed Forces Weekend in the town.
As well as a whole host of events and parades listed on the website, a range of photo opportunities include:
Saturday 18th June From 10am around 60 military vehicles make their way to Weymouth Pavilion’s forecourt. At 3.30pm they will start their engines and parade along Weymouth seafront. From 11am and throughout the day, bands including the South Wales Police Band will be performing.
Sunday 19th June At 11am there will be a flypast along Weymouth beach featuring a Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight team. (Subject to serviceability and weather.) Then an open-air service at the Cenotaph on Weymouth seafront will be followed by a parade of veterans and historic military vehicles along the Esplanade.
Monday 20th June 10.30am. Weymouth is hosting an Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony. It’s part of a national initiative taking place across the country where these flags will be raised at the same time in several locations in celebration of our military personnel, past and present.
This event takes place outside Weymouth Town Council Offices on Commercial Road at 10.30am on Monday 20th June.
Mayor of Weymouth Cllr Ann Weaving will raise the flag and she will be joined by local and visiting veterans.
Speaking ahead of the events, Cllr Christine James, Armed Forces Covenant Champion said: “What a weekend we have in store! We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors, including many veterans and their families, to Weymouth seafront to celebrate the town’s Armed Forces Weekend.
“This year’s three-day celebration in support of our armed forces – past, present and future – is especially poignant as we mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. The parade, which takes place on the Sunday, will be led by Falklands veterans. Following them, veterans from across the services including the Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Royal British Legion and local Sea, Combined and Air Cadets will also join the parade.
“We’ll have marching bands and a convoy of historic military vehicles to delight the crowds as well.
“Weymouth’s long-standing association with the armed forces means we’re immensely proud to be able to host this event once more. It’s the first time that we’ve been able to run a full programme of celebrations since the pandemic so it’s fantastic to be back as this event really does draw the crowds to our beautiful seaside town.
“We are also grateful to the Ministry of Defence who awarded us a £10,000 grant which will help to make this weekend’s celebrations a very special occasion for all.”
Media are welcome to cover any of these events. Email comms@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk if you require any further information.