Preparations well underway ahead of Blackpool’s Armed Forces Week

Preparations for Blackpool’s Armed Forces Week are in full swing and excitement is building!

With the official Armed Forces Day event on Saturday 28 June moving to the spectacular 256 acre Stanley Park this year, the week-long celebration, which runs from June 23-29, is set to be much different.

And with a packed programme spanning the whole week with events happening throughout the town, there promises to be something for everyone.

Cllr Chris Ryan, Blackpool Council’s armed forces champion, said: “We’re delighted to have finalised a programme which could be the best we’ve ever had for Armed Forces Week.

“2014 is such an important year in our history as we commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War and 70 years since the D-Day landings in Normandy.

“What we want this year’s Armed Forces Week to do is help us remember and honour those who we have lost and commemorate their bravery and valour but also ensure that we can celebrate the best of the armed forces, the freedom they allow us and, of course, the very best of Blackpool.”

And Cllr Graham Cain, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for tourism and leisure, added: “Armed Forces Week has a fantastic programme this year and it’s incredibly exciting to have it coming to StanleyPark.

“People are asking me about it all the time and it has really got people talking.

“I would urge people to come out, enjoy themselves, pay their respects to our forces heroes and see the best that they, and Blackpool, has to offer.”

Below is a finalised list of the week’s activities and events which celebrate our armed forces and veterans, commemorate their bravery and provide a great deal of fun for all the family.

MONDAY 23JUNE

The start of Armed Forces Week is marked with an official flag raising event at Blackpool Town Hall at 10.00am. Veterans, serving personnel and civic leaders will gather to perform the flag raising.

Later that day, the celebrations get into full swing with a special concert entitled “Music for Heroes”. Taking place at the Winter Gardens, this event is free and will feature performances from the likes of The Band of the King’s Division, the Land Girls and the Irish Guard Singers. Tickets are available from the Winter Gardens Box Office and the Visit Blackpool Tourist Information Centre but donations to charity are welcome.

TUESDAY 24 JUNE

The BBC’s “WWI at Home” roadshow will be on the Promenade throughout the day along with various BBC television and radio crews who will be broadcasting live. This event is part of a nationwide effort by the corporation to help chart the history of World War I. Local residents are encouraged to attend and share their family memories, memorabilia and any other items of historic interest.  Later that evening, the Royal British Legion Club on King St will put on a night of fun and entertainment.

WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE

An afternoon tea dance at Blackpool’s legendary Tower Ballroom is the featured event on Wednesday. Taking place between 10am and 5pm, the event features Phil Kelsall on the Wurlitzer and is ideal for veterans, their partners, families or simply those who love Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom. Set to a military theme, the day promises to be very special. Tickets cost £12.95, include afternoon tea and are available from the BlackpoolTower box office. Later that evening, Marton Institute offers a free evening of entertainment and hot pot supper for veterans.

THURSDAY 26 JUNE

Thursday sees a day focused on forces careers with a special information day for local residents at the Town Hall and two more fun events for veterans, service personnel and their families. The Buccaneer Family Bar at Coral Island are offering a free meal for service personnel, their families and veterans while North Pier host an evening of entertainment.

FRIDAY 27 JUNE

Friday is a very special day for veterans and service personnel. In the evening a gala dinner takes place to honour them at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. The event promises to be extremely special and is open to everyone, with members of the public being urged to come along and show their support. Tickets for this event, which begins at 7.30pm, cost £19.95 and are available by calling (01253) 352341. Earlier in the day at 11am a special service of dedication takes place at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum on Moor Park Avenue. All are welcome and there is an opportunity to lay commemorative wreaths for those wishing to do so.

SATURDAY 28 JUNE

The main event, Armed Forces Day, takes place on Saturday showcasing the best that the armed forces has to offer. Moving to Stanley Park this year to expand the range of activities on offer, the day is packed with live entertainment including war and modern-day training re-enactments, a special “Superstars” style sporting competition which local teams can enter, military vehicle displays, a World War Heritage Exhibition, music, archery, an assault course and much more. For those who can’t attend the event at StanleyPark there are other events throughout the afternoon including activities in Blackpool town centre including a display of historic and fascinating wartime memorabilia and a replica tank. There is also a walk taking place to raise money for Royal Marine Charities between Blackpool Cenotaph and Jubilee Gardens in Cleveleys and back. For more information visit www.blackpoolrma.co.uk/yomp. Then finally the day is rounded off back at the Tower Ballroom with a spectacular Military Concert featuring The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) and Corps of Drums of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire). Tickets for this event, which begins at 7.30pm, are available at £9.95 from The Blackpool Tower box office.

SUNDAY 29 JUNE

On Sunday we mark the end of Armed Forces Week with a Sunday morning service and parade at the Cenotaph. Crowds will begin to assemble at 10.30am for an 11am service with the parade getting underway at 11.30am. Bring your union flags and support our forces at this very special ceremony.  (can you mention the taxi pull following on from this?)

For more information about Blackpool Armed Forces Week and Armed Forces Day go to www.armedforcesweek.co.uk

Follow Blackpool Forces Week at www.facebook.com/blackpoolarmedforces or  @BPLArmedForces