Flagging up support for our Armed Forces

The events begin on Monday 20th June, when the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor David Norman, is due to raise the official Armed Forces flag at Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue , Southend.  

This ceremony, at 10am, will prepare the way for more Armed Forces Day celebrations throughout Southend on Saturday 25th June and Sunday 26th June.  

These events will highlight our Armed Forces Past, Present, and Future, featuring displays from local Veterans Associations, cadet units and current Armed Forces.  

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

Councillor 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.

On Saturday 25th June 2011, 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.  

• 10am - The Mayoress, Mrs Jane Norman JP - the daughter and grand-daughter of Royal Artillerymen based at Shoebury - is to fire the Royal Artillery gun to officially open the event
• 11am - Veterans presentation by the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend Councillor David Norman, (music stage)
• 11.30 to 12noon - Survival of the Fittest competition, Essex Boot Camp (Main Arena)
• 12 noon to 2.30pm - Southend Radio Roadshow (music stage)
• 2.30pm to 3pm - Marching Band Performance by the Band of the Parachute Regiment (Arena 2)
• 3pm to 4pm - 1940's music performances & Afternoon Tea Dance (music stage)
• 1.45pm to 2.15pm - Survival of the Fittest competition, Essex Boot Camp (Main Arena)
• 3.15pm to 3.45pm - Survival of the Fittest competition, Essex Boot Camp (Main Arena)
• 4pm - "Sunset" ceremony (Arena 2)  

Sunday 26th June 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.

• 10.15am - Parade of Armed Forces from Southend Pier to " City Beach "
• 10.30am - 10.45am - Open Air Service, led by Revd Frank Smith, RAA
• 3.50pm - "Sunset" ceremony, led by local Veterans

Charity collections throughout the weekend will be in aid of Help for Heroes and local Veterans Association.