Borough prepares to celebrate Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day Flag

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

The borough of Rochdale is preparing to join towns and cities across the UK this month in celebration of national Armed Forces Day.

Three days of activities are due to take place over the weekend of 28-30 June to mark Armed Forces Day which takes place on Saturday 29 June to celebrate the UK’s armed forces – past and present.

To mark the build up to the special day, flag raising events will be held in Littleborough Milnrow, Middleton and Rochdale.

In Heywood the popular 1940s weekend returns Friday through Sunday, with a host of entertainment and family activities including re-enactments, military exhibits including tanks, vintage vehicles, an Armed Forces parade plus a full programme of live music.

From 24 to 30 June, Rochdale Central Library at Number One Riverside will stage an Armed Forces exhibition featuring Army, Navy and Royal Air Force Careers, Army Reserves, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets and the Royal British Legion.

On Sunday 30 June there will be flag lowering ceremonies at Rochdale Town Hall, Littleborough and Milnrow.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces said the sacrifice, dedication and professionalism of our armed forces deserves our support and recognition: “I am incredibly proud of all the activities that are taking place to celebrate national Armed Forces Day, not just on the day itself but all weekend. We have an excellent programme of events and activities and I hope to see people of all ages enjoying them.”

Rochdale was one of the first councils in the country to sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant last November, aimed at encouraging local communities to support services that promote and encourage activities that help integrate Armed Forces personnel back into civilian life.

Details of what’s on during the weekend ‘Armed Forces Weekend'