Armed forces day has high hopes to be bigger and better than ever

FAWLEY is gearing up for what organisers hope will be the biggest and best armed forces day the parish has ever held.

The annual event tomorrow (Saturday) is into its eighth year of military-themed activities, displays and entertainment at Gang Warily recreation centre.

Flying in as the headline attraction will be the dramatic freefall parachutists of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Lightning Bolts Display Team.

The Historic Army Aircraft Flight will also be landing a Scout AH1, which was the multi-role utility helicopter with the Air Army Corps until the 1990s.

The event is organised by Fawley Parish Council whose chair, Cllr Alan Alvey, said: “Armed Forces Day is a chance to show community support for our armed forces. It is also a good day out for all the family with lots of entertainment.”

Returning this year will be a six-wheeled Saracen armoured personnel carrier offering rides, and a genuine Second World War Anderson shelter to experience the feeling of the Blitz, alongside educational talks.

The soundtrack of the day will be provided by Marchwood Military Wives Choir, local band the Trav Cats, the Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band, and Katie-Ann Miles.

For children there will be bouncy castles, a fun fair, and a petting farm, and the Wessex Ferret Club will be running races all day.

Military charities will be on hand to fundraise and exhibit what they do, alongside stalls, drinks and food vendors with menus ranging from traditional hot dogs to New Orleans-style street food.

Sponsors include Ice Cleaning Services Ltd, Exxon Mobil, Hampshire county councillor Alexis McEvoy and the Ministry of Defence.

The event will be open from 11am-4pm. Some displays are subject to the weather.