SOUTHEND is preparing to honour, celebrate and support the UK Armed Forces.

The events started today as the Mayor of Southend, David Norman, is due to raise the official Armed Forces flag at Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend.

This ceremony paved the way for more Armed Forces Day celebrations throughout Southend on Saturday and Sunday.

These events will highlight our Armed Forces past, present, and future, featuring displays from Veterans Associations, cadet units and current Armed Forces.

There will also be arena performances from military and civilian groups.

Mr Norman said: “The flag ceremony and subsequent Armed Forces Day events are an opportunity for people to show their support and appreciation for our servicemen and women. We urge as many people as possible to come along and cheer them on.”

One of Councillor Norman’s designated mayoral charities this year is Combat Stress, the UK's leading military charity specialising in the care of Veterans' mental health.

THE PROGRAMME

On Saturday, June 25 10am to 4pm in Chalkwell Park

There will be a military-themed fair suitable for all the family, with stalls from veterans, Help for Heroes, Armed Forces and Cadets, trader stalls, a military vehicle display, Southend Radio Music Roadshow, Survival of the Fittest challenges in the arena area, tea tent, "Wartime Memories" Exhibition, afternoon tea dance with 1940's music, and featuring a marching band performance by the Band of the Parachute Regiment in the afternoon.

Sunday, June 26 from 10am to 4pm - "City Beach", Marine Parade, Southend Seafront All day there will be displays and stalls from local Veterans Associations, Armed Forces and Cadets groups, climbing wall, Royal Artillery Field Gun, "Wartime Memories" Exhibition, charity collection in aid of Help for Heroes and local Veterans.