Armed Forces Day represents 'a show of support'

Joining in the annual Armed Forces Day celebrations is a way for people to show their support for servicemen and women "past and present", organisers have said.

A free event at the Villa Marina, in Douglas, is set to include entertainment and a parade of veterans and serving military personnel along the promenade from 14:00 BST.

Another highlight of the day will see a flypast of two RAF hawk aircraft at about 15:30.

Organiser Colin Kelsey said the occasion would celebrate what those in the armed services "have done and continue to do for the country".

The event in the Villa Marina Gardens from 13:00 to 17:00 will see military-themed stands, live music from the Southern Belles and complimentary afternoon tea from 16:00.

Led by the Moddey Dhoo Motorcycle club, a march with veterans, cadets, uniformed organisations, and members of the emergency services will set off from Regent Street with a salute from the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer.

The parade will then continue along Loch Promenade to the Douglas War Memorial.

In the "highly visible and colourful" display, Mr Kelsey said he expected there would be representatives who served in "every conflict since World War Two up to the Gulf War", the latter of which ended in 1991.

He said it was not a day of "commemoration or remembrance", but an opportunity "for families and potentially the next generation of armed forces members" to enjoy the celebrations, he added.

It would also be a "chance for public to show their appreciation and support" for those serving both now and in the past.

Similar events are set to take place across the UK over the next week.

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