Flag raising ceremony marks start of Armed Forces Week in Plymouth

24th June 2019

The Armed Forces Flag was raised in Plymouth today following a ceremony at the Guildhall, marking the start of Armed Forces Week.

The flag will be flown all week, including during Plymouth Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June.

This morning's ceremony was attended by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Richard Ball, the Naval Base Commander for HMNB Devonport and Commodore Peter Coulson ADC RN, alongside the Lady Mayoress, Deputy Lord Mayor and Consort, as well as a number of other civic and military leaders.

Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Richard Ball, said: “We are very proud of our military history and our armed forces based in the city. Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to our military, from serving personnel to reservists, veterans and cadets, for all the admirable work they do.

“It’s also a time where we can acknowledge the support of their families and especially those who have lost loved ones.

“On Saturday we will be celebrating Plymouth Armed Forces Day on the Hoe and it is looking to be a truly wonderful event.”

Following the flag raising ceremony, there was a reception in the Guildhall where the Lord Mayor presented the winners and runners-up of the Plymouth Armed Forces Day badge competition with their prizes.

This year’s winner was 11-year-old Jessica Horton, whose badge design features the iconic Smeaton’s Tower with the Mayflower ship in the centre, against a background of the Devon flag.

The badge, which raises money for Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, is on sale now from the Tourist Information Centre and the Royal British Legion Pop In Centre on Armada Way for a suggested £3 donation.

As part of Armed Forces Week, representatives from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will be at the Piazza in Plymouth city centre on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 June from 9am to 6pm, raising awareness of the regular and reserve career opportunities on offer.

The recruitment teams have a wealth of experience in a number of trades and can offer advice about a number of career routes.

There will also be an Army climbing wall to try out, as well as an array of military vehicles, weapons displays and virtual reality experiences to try.

The highlight of the week is Plymouth Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, which takes place on the Hoe on Saturday 29 June. 

There’s a packed programme of family friendly entertainment planned for the day. Military ‘villages’ will showcase interactive activities and displays, from climbing walls to children’s assault courses. The Veterans’ Village, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, will host more than 75 organisations and charities, giving out information and advice on a wide range of issues.

Throughout the day, visitors can also enjoy parades, live music, the thrilling arena programme and the free outdoor evening concert, sponsored by C&G Catering. HM Royal Marine Function Band Plymouth will start the entertainment at 6pm, followed by Scarlett Lee, last year’s X-Factor runner up and ‘Tony is Tom Jones’, a tribute act to the Welsh crooner. Headlining the evening is Madness tribute band, One Step Behind.

For more information , including the full event programme, please visit the Plymouth Armed Forces Day website.