Armed Forces Day, Saturday June 25th 2016

Jun, 2 2016

~When people reflect on the war dead from the last century it often conjures images of brutality and moments of sheer poignancy mixed with deep appreciation for what Britain fought through in some of the most direst of times.

So when an event appears that involves contemplating on the above many of us imagine its going to be quite a serious and perhaps only an adult themed event with very little, if anything for young people and children.

The annual Preston Armed Forces Day is far more than that. Scheduled to take place on Saturday 25th June in Cheapside in the city centre from 11am till 9pm. The day begins in true reflective style with a service of remembrance followed by  performances from an Army Band and the Army Cadet force Core of drums.

Then, the fun really kicks off. A free concert is billed organised by Preston Business Improvement District (BID). Including a major line up of stars from the world of reality TV ( The Voice & Britain’s Got Talent). As well as 2010  X Factor champion Matt Cardle. Look out for a new exciting boy band ‘District 12’ set to light up the stage. They will perform live from a specially created stage on the balcony of the Harris Museum. Radio’s Danny Bee will present the show.

Representatives from Armed Forces Charities, military museums and the Armed Forces will be on hand to showcase their stalls and displays and there will also be an opportunity to see a series of vehicles that were used during battle. As the day continues look to the skies to watch a WW2  Spitfire in a dramatic showpiece that the kids cannot afford to miss. There will also be a funfair with many  various rides for children of all ages.

Last year 6000 people saw the annual Tribute to the Troops Wrestling show that took place in the Preston Guild Hall. Hoping to attract another large crowd this years event will host former WWE stars Rob Van Damn, Mr Anderson and Bill Gunn who will headline the UK’s biggest wrestling show promoted by Preston City Wrestling.

Other acts billed for the concert mentioned earlier include this years Voice winner Kevin Simm, Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDoweall and Tiger Heart who recently supported Peter Andre on his sell-out national tour.

So come along for the annual Preston Armed Forces Day, Saturday June 25th 11am-9pm and see for yourselves a different and refreshing way to commemorate the fallen soldiers that unites families and friends and veterans who are thankfully still alive and able to share their story of the resilient spirit they had and continue to have.