More than 1,000 cadets from the Air Training Corps are set to march through Lichfield as part of the organisations 70th anniversary celebrations.
They will attend a service at Lichfield Cathedral tomorrow (September 11), before marching through the city centre.
Cadets will be attending from 32 squadrons including Buxton, Newcastle under Lyme, Stoke on Trent, Fordhouses, Stafford, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Mercian, Tamworth, Brownhills and Burton.
Wing Commander Grant Kearns, Officer Commanding Staffordshire Wing ATC, said:
“The Staffordshire Wing 70th anniversary parade will see over 1,000 cadets and staff parade through Lichfield to mark 70 years of one of the UK’s largest youth organisations. This is a major event for Staffordshire Wing and one of the biggest celebrations of the Air Training Corps outside of London and marks the contribution of Staffordshire to its cadets and community over the last 70 years, and we hope the parade will be a true testament to the cadets who have passed through our doors and gone on to achieve so much.
“Since 1941 the Air Training Corps has provided young people between the ages of 13 and 20 with amazing, once in a lifetime opportunities every week. Cadets from across the Wing’s 32 squadrons have learnt to fly an aircraft and complete aerobatic manoeuvres, they’ve visited countries around the globe on overseas camps and exchanges. they’ve climbed mountains and completed prestigious leadership courses and they’ve gained nationally recognised qualifications such as BTECs and the Duke of Edinburgh award.
“All of these activities would never happen if it wasn’t for the dedication of our staff, all of who give up their own time to ensure our young people receive amazing training and experiences”
The service will start at 2pm, with the parade setting off from the Cathedral at 3.15pm, marching with the sounds of the Staffordshire Wing Band and Buxton Squadron Corps of Drum.
