Time to pay tribute to our armed forces

Celebrations for Armed Forces Day will be coming to Pontefract Park for the first time next month.
Armed Forces Day parade in Normanton.Armed Forces Day parade in Normanton.
Armed Forces Day parade in Normanton.

Wakefield Council is marking the contributions serving men and women make to the country with a day of activities on Saturday, June 25.

The event will include a Lancaster Bomber flypast, Parachute freefall, a police dogs display team and a search demonstration from a police helicopter.

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Councillor Sandra Pickin, the Armed Forces Day champion, said: “It is a great way to bring people together to recognise the contribution of those who have fought to protect our county and those still serving.”

She added that it would be a “fantastic day out for all the family” which will have “something for everyone.”

In March, more than 400 trees were planted in Pontefract Park in memory of First World War fallen soldiers who were from the local area.

At next month’s event there will be plenty for children to enjoy including a giant slide, bouncy castle, climbing towers, bungee trampoline, face painting and paint balling.

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Visitors will also be able to meet animals from Owl Adventures, a falconry-based mobile zoo.

And there will also be a falconry flying display which is due to take place in the main arena.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, St Johns Ambulance, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Training Corps, Scouts and many more will also feature throughout the day.

Food and drink will be on offer, such as Farmer Copley’s Hog Roast, Curry from Dee Spice, Dukes Pizza and craft beers from Bosuns Brewery, Horbury and Hamelsworde Brewery based in Hemsworth.

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Winners of the Armed Forces Day children’s competition will also have their prizes awarded at the event by Lord St Oswald and army veteran Ben Parkinson MBE.

Entry and parking to the event in Park Road is free of charge. For more information visit the Armed Forces Day Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WakefieldArmedForcesDay