The full line-up for Preston’s Armed Forces Day has been revealed.
AdvertisementEvents run throughout the day on Saturday 28 June as the city is expected to turn out to show its support for the armed forces.
Organised by Preston City Council’s armed forces champion councillor Drew Gale it promises a range of performances during the day.
The day starts at 10.45am with a veterans parade, accompanied by the Yorkshire Regiment Band.
A service of remembrance takes place after the parade with the dipping of the standards on the Flag Market and the playing of the last post. Louisa Stirland, who is a student at Runshaw College and young chorister of the year 2012, will perform.
From 11.15am until 12noon the Yorkshire Regiment Band keep the crowds entertained.
While the performances are going on Birley Street is to be home to some stars of sci fi, as Darth Vader, Storm Troopers and Judge Dredd among others take over the area.
Between 12noon and 12.20pm performances come from Stephen Bayliss who will do a number of soul and pop classics.
12.30pm until 1.30pm sees Preston College putting on a number of themed dance and singing shows, including an Andrews Sisters Tribute Act and a 1940s music hall dance display.
At 1.30pm the Army Cadet Force core of drums bring their powerful performance to the Flag Market.
Around lunchtime an RAF Spitfire is expected to roar above the city centre in a fly past as part of the celebrations.
That lasts until 1.50pm when the North West World War II Association perform a battle re-enactment with a German position being stormed by Allied troops set up on the Flag Market.
At 3pm the stars of Preston City Wrestling take over the city centre for a special free three hours show – with former WWE wrestlers Chris Masters and Carlito among those on the bill.
Throughout the day there will be stalls and exhibits around the Flag Market from armed forces organisations. A climbing wall and face painting will also be on.
Will you be going along? What do you think of the line-up? Let us know in the comments below
All images credit to the North West World War II Association