Exciting programme revealed for Plymouth Armed Forces Day 2019

21st March 2019

The exciting programme for this year’s Plymouth Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, has now been revealed following today’s official launch.

The launch saw members of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery abseil down the walls of the Royal Citadel, carrying the Armed Forces Day flag, which was then presented to the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sam Davey.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Dornan RA, who presented the flag to the Lord Mayor, said: “‘It is a great privilege for 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery to launch Plymouth Armed Forces Day 2019. 

“The support that we, the military community, receive from the people of Plymouth is really important to us and we are all extremely grateful for everything that the city does to make us feel so welcome and valued.”

The hugely popular, family-friendly Plymouth Armed Forces Day will take place on Saturday 29 June, on Plymouth Hoe. This year’s event will see audiences wowed by air displays, parades, live music and the arena and stage programmes, which includes a free outdoor evening concert.

Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Armed Forces Day is not only a brilliant day out, filled with fun for the whole family, but an incredibly important opportunity to show our support for all members of the armed forces and thank them for their hard work and dedication.”

Mike Homer, Babcock’s Managing Director at Devonport Royal Dockyard, said: “The armed forces make an invaluable contribution to our country, and holding this Armed Forces Day event gives us the opportunity to formally show them our support.

“We are proud to be working with Plymouth City Council again this year to bring such an important event to Plymouth, which gives visitors a valuable insight into the work carried out by UK military personnel around the globe.”

The start of the day will see the Parade of Standards, as veterans and cadets march across the Hoe promenade. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to watch the Field Gun competition with tri-service teams competing for the prestigious Babcock cup, the Unarmed Combat Display by 30 CDO Stonehouse Royal Marines and performances from bands including the City of Plymouth Pipe Band and the marching band of the Royal Marines, Plymouth.

From 5pm, an air display will take to the skies, starting with a rescue display from the Coastguard in partnership with the RNLI. There will be a flypast from a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter and an RAF Spitfire plane, with more displays to be announced.

Across the Hoe, a number of ‘villages’ will showcase the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, Royal Marines and the emergency services, with vehicles and equipment on display, information about recruitment and military personnel to meet. The Veteran’s Village, supported by Royal British Legion, will also see more than 60 local charities and organisations showcasing their work, offering information, advice and support.

The main stage will host performances from local choirs and groups throughout the day, including the Community Military Kids Choir and the Military Wives Choir.

From 6pm a free evening concert, sponsored by C&G Catering, will entertain the crowds with a fantastic range of live music. The night will be headlined by One Step Behind, the UK’s leading Madness tribute band. Also taking to the stage is Scarlett Lee, last year’s X Factor runner-up, a Tom Jones tribute act and the Royal Marine Function Band.

For more information about Armed Forces Day, visit plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk