HEREFORDSHIRE'S Armed Forces Day event will be hosted in Bromyard this year, with plenty planned to celebrate the bravery and dedication of the UK's armed forces.

The June 29 event promises a day filled with community spirit, commemorative activities, and family-friendly fun.

It will kick off with a parade at midday, starting from the town's Tenbury Road car park and marching through the town. The parade will be a spectacular sight, showcasing proud cadets, youth groups and veterans from all over Herefordshire, with all veterans welcome to join in to honour the men and women of our armed forces.

At 12.30pm, there will be a special service at St Peter’s Church, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by military personnel. The day is set aside to honour the men and women who currently serve in all our armed forces.

Following the service, the parade will return through the town to the town green. Mini Union Flags will be supplied for the public to wave and join in the spirit of the day. The town green will then transform into a hub of activities, including face painting, balloon modelling, activities for families and children and entertainment for all ages.

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Bromyard’s independent shops and cafes will be flying their Union Flags and look forward to welcoming visitors from all over to Bromyard, with locally made produce. The Market Square will be home to a unique military vehicle for all to see and to draw visitors to all areas of the town.

Bromyard and Winslow Town Council has curated a week-long program of free activities for Armed Forces Week.

Events will be held at the local theatre and the Falcon Hotel. Although the activities are free, attendees must book tickets for the Conquest Theatre events in advance on the theatre's website; TicketSource – Conquest Theatre (conquest-theatre.co.uk).

Mayor of Bromyard, Mark Franklin, said: “We are immensely proud to host Herefordshire's Armed Forces Day 2024. It's a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, honour our military, and enjoy a week of events. We have talks at The Conquest Theatre and the Falcon Mews at the Falcon Hotel and of course a parade with cadets and veterans through Bromyard town on Saturday 29th June.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the families of those who serve or have served. Herefordshire has a strong connection to the armed forces and Bromyard is proud to be honouring that.”

Armed Forces Week programme

June 25: Colin Hales, a former Army Bandmaster, will present "A History of Military Music" at Conquest Theatre at 7pm, exploring the evolution of military music.

June 26: The History Society will host a talk by Peter Weston on AL Lewis VC at Conquest Theatre at 7pm.

June 27: Two insightful talks at Falcon Mews at 7pm. Colonel Andy Taylor and Lt Col (Retired) Peter Stoddart will present "A Short History of British Army Communications" from their extensive service experience.

June 28: The week concludes with a film screening of "The Great Escaper" at Conquest Theatre at 7pm.