Flag flying at the National Memorial Arboretum ahead of Armed Forces Day celebrations

The flag has been raised at the National Memorial Arboretum ahead of Armed Forces Day.

Thousands of families are expected to head to Alrewas for a series of events on 29th and 30th June.

Among the activities will be flypasts from Second World War aircraft, musical performances, and a food and gift fair.

Other fun on offer include a themed children’s assault course, archery ranges, climbing walls and craft sessions.

Saturday (29th June) will see performances from The Band of the King’s Division and The Band of The Royal Corps of Signals, while the following day sees Connor Pereira of The Band of the Army Air Corps taking to the stage. Musical duo Sincerely Yours will be appearing throughout the weekend.

Subject to weather, a Hawker Hurricane will fly past at 1.50pm on Saturday, with a Douglas C-47 Dakota gracing the skies over the arboretum at 1.05pm on Sunday.

Sarah Oakden, head of marketing at the National Memorial Arboretum said: “Armed Forces Weekend is always a fantastic time at the arboretum as we come together to celebrate the service of armed services personnel through a fun packed programme of family activities, musical entertainment and the opportunity to learn about life in the Armed Forces.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of people to the site for what is certain to be another tremendous weekend.”

Visitors are also being urged to show their support during a parade at noon on Saturday by lining the route and cheering personnel as they march past.

For more details on the Armed Forces Day celebrations, visit the National Memorial Arboretum website.