Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council will be honouring the UK’s Armed Forces with a city centre event thanks to funding received from the Ministry of Defence Ceremonial Events and Commemorations team.
The council applied for funding and has been awarded a grant of £6,500. It has been working with ex-service organisations and serving armed forces personnel in the city to bring together an exciting programme of activities and performances in the city centre.
The day will begin with a service for the Ex-Services Association at All Saints, Pavement, which will be followed by a parade from the service along Coney Street, through St Helen’s Square and into Parliament Street.
Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “This grant means we can celebrate Armed Forces Day in a way that truly honours the fantastic work the Armed Forces do every day.
“The activities in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square will start at 12 noon, and will include a marquee with a variety of entertainment headlined by The Military Wives’ Choir, one of a group of choirs formed by TV’s Gareth Malone; a weapons display; climbing wall; an army field kitchen demonstration; paintballing and a display from Field Hospital Regiment. Residents will also be able to find out more information about the Armed Forces and recruitment whilst enjoying music from the band of the Yorkshire Regiment.
“I hope the community comes along to celebrate York being one of the oldest garrison cities in the country and thank those serving in the past, present and in the future.”
Armed Forces Day’s main objectives are to honour and celebrate the work of the UK Armed Forces and those that support them. The day also aims to encourage members of the public to actively engage in a celebration of the UK’s Armed Forces and to raise awareness and enhance the reputation of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Reservists, Veterans, Cadets and the wider Armed Forces community including service families.
York has a long and established military history dating back to AD71. These links were strengthened last year when representatives from across the city, representing three armed services and other key York leaders and organisations, officially endorsed the York Community Covenant Agreement.
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