Southend-on-Sea celebrates Armed Forces Day

June 27, 2018 by Southend Borough Council Press Release

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council will once again be supporting local Armed Forces Day celebrations this weekend (Saturday 30 June), plus marking 100 years since the end of the First World War. 

Organised by the Southend Carnival Events on behalf of the Council, the Southend Armed Forces Day event will celebrate and honour our service men and women past and present.

On Saturday 30 June, Southend-on-Sea High Street will welcome a number of groups including: Normandy Veterans association, Veterans’ Breakfast Club, Royal Naval association, armed forces charity SSAFA, Sea Cadets, Westcliff Royal British Legion, The Air Training Corps, 217Fd Squadron, Royal Engineers and the Royal Air Force Association among many others.

Families and visitors of all ages are invited to join the celebration alongside The Worshipful The Mayor of Southend, Cllr Derek Jarvis, local Councillors, and veterans and community groups.

The celebrations will start with a parade (muster 10:30am) from Southend Central railway bridge. Leaving at 10:45am, the parade will finish outside the Victoria Shopping Centre at 11am for the Service of Thanksgiving including the firing of the Royal Artillery Regiment gun to mark the start and end of the silence. There will be a choir performance from Midday and live music from 1pm to 4pm.

Charity stalls, display stands and First World War storytelling will also take place across the High Street all day 

Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Cllr John Lamb, said: “We have a rich military history in Southend-on-Sea, and we are proud to celebrate the lives of all our service men and women, past, present and future.

“In previous years we have enjoyed a wonderful weekend of events, and this weekend will be no exception.

“This year we are also marking 100 years since the end of the First World War, we will be remembering those who lost their lives serving our country, during one of the deadliest conflicts in history. We cherish this opportunity to remember and thank them with veterans and members of the public alike.”

Further information about the event can be found at www.visitsouthend.co.uk

Those attending will be able to use the public car parks located near Southend High Street. Please note that London Road, from College Way to the Odeon Cinema will be closed to traffic from approximately 7am to 5pm. Arrangements have been made for the taxi rank to be temporarily relocated to suspended bays outside Santander.

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