Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day in Banbury on Saturday (June 17) saw huge crowds pay tribute to servicemen and servicewomen – past, present and future.

Military-style entertainment including parades, displays, demonstrations and collections of war-time vehicles attracted residents young and old.

Members of today’s armed forces, plus cadets and veterans, took part in a parade led by the town’s Sea Cadet Band that started from the Market Place, marched up Parson’s Street, along Horse Fair and down High Street for a salute outside the town hall in Bridge street.

The salute was taken by Major Andy Lister, OC 142 Vehicle Squadron; Town Mayor Fiaz Ahmed; Lt Col Debra Sims of RAF Croughton; and Surinder Dhesi, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.

A drumhead service showed how troops held religious ceremonies on battlefields using drums draped with regimental banners as makeshift altars. The service was taken by Padre Charles Lewis.

The Brize Norton Military Wives Choir sang traditional and modern songs live on stage – and earlier, Trooping the Colour in London was beamed live onto a big screen.

Visitors also had the chance to inspect a nuclear bunker built beneath the town hall.

Armed Forces Day is organised by Banbury Town Council and the Royal British Legion.

Town council leader and president of the Banbury branch of the Royal British Legion Kieron Mallon said: “This town has historical and ongoing links with the military and is proud to pay tribute to our service men and women with events like this.

“Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for everyone to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community – from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets.”