Plymouth raises the flag for Armed Forces Week

20th June 2022

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

The ceremony was attended by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann alongside senior representatives from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and civic leaders including Councillor Richard Bingley, Leader of Plymouth City Council, and Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of the Opposition.

The flag will be flown all week as events take place across the city, including the Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines on Thursday 23 June and Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25 June.

Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, 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, particularly this year as we mark the Falklands 40th anniversary.

“On Thursday we are delighted to be hosting the Rehabilitation Triathlon and on Saturday, we will be celebrating Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe which is looking to be a truly spectacular event.”

Paul Watson, Managing Director of Babcock’s Devonport facility, said: “Babcock has been proudly supporting Plymouth Armed Forces Day for many years and we are delighted that it is returning.

“This event is a great way to formally recognise the crucial work of our Armed Forces and provides visitors with an important insight into what they do, both in the UK and more widely across the globe.”

As part of Armed Forces Week celebrations, representatives from the British Army will be on the Piazza in Plymouth city centre on Wednesday 22 June and Thursday 23 June from 9am to 5pm, highlighting the many exciting full and part time career opportunities on offer. There will be a number of fun, interactive activities and displays to try for free including World War II military vintage vehicles, a climbing wall, quad bikes, VR equipment and an aviation simulator.

There will be plenty more interactive activities and entertainment to enjoy at Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, on Saturday. The military villages will showcase a wide variety of interactive activities and displays and visitors can chat to members of all the armed forces, learning more about the vehicles and equipment they use.

In the Veterans Village, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, more than 75 organisations and charities will offer information and advice on a wide range of issues.

There will also be an all-day arena programme, parades, live music, military weapons and vehicles – including a static helicopter, rescue boats and emergency service vehicles – on display.

From 5pm, a free evening concert, sponsored by C&G Catering will take place on the main stage with performances from HM Royal Marine Function Band Plymouth, Ocean City Sound Barbershop Chorus, Absolutely Elton - an outstanding tribute to Sir Elton John and local powerhouse duo Roulette, bringing top hits from the 80s and 90s.

Headlining the evening is Neville Staple - From The Specials, performing ska classics and much-loved hits from his music career spanning over 40 years.

For more information about the Rehabilitation Triathlon and Armed Forces Day, including the full event programme, please see www.plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk