Ipswich Borough Council is proud to announce that it will host this year’s Suffolk Armed Forces Day celebration on Saturday 28 June from 11am to 4pm at Christchurch Park’s Mansion Lawn.
This free public event is part of Armed Forces Week, running from Sunday 22 June to Saturday 28 June, and offers an opportunity for the community to come together in support of the British Armed Forces. The day will feature a mix of family-friendly activities, including a climbing wall, caving experience, and live performances from vintage tribute singer Miss Kitty Collins, retro vocal duo The Vibettes, Irish trio SKOJ, and multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Rich Young.
The week’s celebrations in Ipswich begin with a flag-raising ceremony on Monday 23 June at 10am on the Cornhill, accompanied by a short civic event open to the public. The Armed Forces flag will fly there and outside Ipswich Borough Council’s headquarters at Grafton House throughout the week, in honour of members of the military community, both past and present.
On Tuesday 24 June, Mayor of Ipswich Councillor Stefan Long will attend The Bigger Breakfast, an event in Ipswich to bring together and give recognition to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. The lead-up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June also includes Reserves Day on Wednesday 25 June which invites employers across the UK to show their support and thanks for those who balance their civilian lives and careers with reserve duty in the Services.
Ipswich is designated as the lead town for coordinating and hosting this year’s celebrations in Suffolk, reaffirming its commitment to the Suffolk Armed Forces Community Covenant, first signed in 2012 by all local authorities in the county. Ipswich Borough Council has also shown its commitment as an Armed Forces-friendly organisation by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging support as an employer and public service provider.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, says:
“Our activities during Armed Forces Week will highlight the connection and bond between armed forces personnel based in Suffolk and their neighbouring communities in Ipswich and across the county.”
“This year the town will once again proudly pay its respects as the lead town to represent Suffolk.
“Armed Forces Day also provides us with a way to celebrate and express our appreciation to our serving troops and their families, as well as reservists, cadets and veterans.”
“We invite Ipswich residents and visitors alike to join us in showing their support and gratitude through a day of fun events, entertainment and activities.”
The Armed Forces Day celebration is part of a nationwide initiative supported by the Ministry of Defence since 1990, designed to foster stronger ties between the military and civilian communities.
Image credit: ©UK MOD Crown Copyright