Armed Forces Day parade in Newark to celebrate serving military men and women

A town’s annual Armed Forces Parade will take place today celebrating our servicemen and women.

Armed Forces Day, on June 24, is an opportunity for the public to show their support for all in the military community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

This year, Newark will be holding it’s parade and celebrations across the town centre.

Taking part in the parade will be the Band of RAF College Cranwell followed closely by standard bearers, then a contigent from RAF Cranwell, Royal Naval Reserves from HMS Sherwood, veterans, 1260 Squadron RAF Air Cadets and Air element of Magnus Academy Combined Cadet Force, Newark Sea Cadets and Newark Army Cadets.

The parade, commanded by Wing Commander Ali Wilson from RAF Cranwell, is scheduled to assemble at the London Road carpark at 11.40am on Sunday, before setting off at 11.45am.

The column will then proceed down Baldertongate, across Cartergate, down Bridge Street, left into the Market Place, following the road around and into position directly in front of the Town Hall at 11.52am.

Just before 12noon the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised ahead of an inspection from the the King’s representative in Nottinghamshire, Lord Lieutenant Sir John Peace.

A ceremony will then take place in which the Lord Lieutenant and Mayor of Newark, Pamela Ball will address the parade.

The parade will then march off again at 12.25pm before veterans and VIPs are invited to gather in the town hall.

A number of town centre streets will be closed from 9pm on Saturday night to 6pm on Sunday to accomodate the parade.

These road closure include:

• Stodman Street, from its junction with Middle Gate to its junction with Market Place.

• Market Place, for its entirety.

• Church Street, for its whole length

• Bridge Street, for its whole length

Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and vehicles associated with the event.

Besides the main parade, there will also be music, entertainment and activities from 10am in the Market Place, including displays of military vehicles, a military charity fundraising market, military bands and the RAF Cranwell military wives choir throughout the day.

Nottinghamshire County Council armed forces champion, Keith Girling, said: “The reason I feel Armed Forces Day is still so important is because most tributes are made to veterans and the people that have made the ultimate sacrifice, but this is to celebrate our current serving armed forces.

“They make sacrifices every day and and it is important to recognise that.”