Service personnel championed during Suffolk’s Armed Forces Day celebrations

The free event, organised by Mid Suffolk District Council in partnership with Stowmarket Town Council, took place at the King’s Meadow Recreation Ground and brought together service personnel, veterans, families and the wider community to recognise and celebrate the contributions of the county’s armed forces community.

The day’s schedule was marked by a parade from cadet forces and Standard bearers who gave a royal salute to the HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, accompanied by the national anthem. Crowds also enjoyed musical performances from 30s style swing duo The Vibettes, the RAF Honington Voluntary Band and the Honington Military Wives Choir.

Visitors were able to take part in a range of family-friendly activities and games, such as face painting, soft play and inflatables, visit stalls from local businesses and organisations, and see displays from Suffolk’s Regular, Reserve and Cadet Forces.

On the day, speeches were delivered by Mayor of Stowmarket Cllr Darren Dordoy, Mid Suffolk Chair Cllr Lorraine Baker and Mark Pendlington, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, who all emphasised the importance of our armed forces community and thanked them for the sacrifices they make each day to keep us all safe.

As part of the special celebrations, crowds were also treated to a spectacular flyover from an AH-64E Apache helicopter, ensuring that the event would be long remembered by those that visited.