A VETERAN’S parade with marching band and military vehicles will kickstart South Gloucestershire’s celebrations for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 28.

Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Howard Gawler (Lib Dem, Ladden Brook), will officially open the free event in Kingswood Park at 11.25am when a salute will be taken by Group Captain Jon Osborne who will also inspect the gathered troops.

A remembrance ceremony, officiated by the Rev Canon Peter Huzzey, will take place at 12.15pm followed by live performances from solo artists Rachael Hunt and Katie Salt, a community choir and the 93 City of Bath Air Training Corps band.

There will also be an inflatable slide, climbing wall, stalls and activities, an array of military vehicles and police cars and fire engines on display.

Cllr Gawler said: “Armed Forces Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

“From D-Day veterans to cadets and those who have returned from tours in Afghanistan, this is our chance to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

“It is also a great day out for all the family and I hope that many people will take the opportunity to join us at the celebrations in Kingswood Park.”