Armed Forces Day event at Nostell Priory

The event, organised by Wakefield Council, will take place on Saturday, June 20.

It runs alongside a host of events around the country, which sees hundreds of veterans, serving personnel and cadets come together to commemorate the service of men and women in the forces.

The show at Nostell Priory will run from 10am until 5pm and it will start with a flag raising ceremony.

Attractions throughout the day will include a Spitfire flyover, a parachute display, performances from military bands and a police dog show.

Children will be able to enjoy other attractions including climbing towers, a giant inflatable assault course and paint balling.

And the youngsters who won a drawing competition to have their designs printed on next year’s poster will receive their prizes at a special awards ceremony.

Coun Sandra Pickin, Wakefield Council’s armed forces champion, said: “I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the day which recognises the contribution of those who have fought to protect our country and those still serving.

“There are lot of attractions, which makes it a great day out for all the family.”

The Soldiers Sailors and Airmen Families Association (SSAFA), a charity which offers life long support for the Armed Forces and their families, will also have a stall on the day.

And to mark the charity’s 130th anniversary, there will be a special service at Wakefield Cathedral on Sunday, June 21 from 3.30pm.

For more information about the armed forces day events log onto www.wakefield.gov.uk/armedforces

Armed Forces Day, formerly Veterans’ Day, is an annual event celebrated in late June to commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces.

Veterans’ Day was first held in 2006, which saw parades held in Dundee and Staffordshire as well as a service at Westminster Abbey.

There was also an evening reception at 10 Downing Street for representatives of veterans associations.

In 2009 the name of the event was changed to Armed Forces Day, to raise awareness and appreciation for those on active duty.

This year’s celebrations will be centred in Guildford, Surrey, on Saturday, June 27.

Hundreds of events will also be held throughout the country including at Nostell Priory