On Saturday 29th June Stockport will once again host a special celebration of Armed Forces Day, with a range of exciting activities taking place across the town centre.
Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for people to come together to give recognition and thanks to all those who have served or continue to serve their country. It is also a time to thank their families and pay our collective respect to all those we have lost through service.
Their sacrifice is something we are eternally grateful for and we are proud to be able to remember them.
It has been organised by the Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) who represent the armed forces and veteran community, and supported by Stockport Council and other partners who make up the armed forces covenant partnership group. The event has also been sponsored by Totally Stockport, the town’s Business Improvement District.
Veterans and serving armed forces personnel are encouraged to attend and join a parade which sets off from St Peters Square at 10.45am and finishes in the Market Place – full dress code is not required, but can be worn if preferred. The Parade salute will be taken by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Mr Gerry Yeung OBE.
Following the parade, several other events will also take place throughout the day, with lots of family-friendly activities to take part in.
The Strawberry Radio Stage will be hosted in Market Place, with live entertainment throughout the day and culminating with the National Anthem led by Stockport Schools Brass Band at 4pm. There will be a trail around Market Hall with a reward for all those who complete it, as well as over 40 displays and replica military exhibitions.
Merseyway is also joining in the celebrations, they’ll be hosting a large replica spitfire with children’s crafting sessions and vocal harmony group Diamond will be performing at 11.00am 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
The Air Raid Shelters and Stockport Museum will also be open and at the museum, where children can design their very own medal for someone special. It’s free and no need to book in advance!
New to Armed Forces Day 2024 will be an exciting QR trail, which is being launched following a collaboration between Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy, the Digiknow team and Stockport Council.
The World War 2 QR Trail for families and friends and a QR Quest for young people between 11 and 15 will take between one and two hours to complete and use What3words to provide location references. Families will be invited to answer quiz questions at each location.
Anyone interested in doing the trail should visit Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy Stall in the Market Place.
“In 2023, Stockport showed its recognition of our Armed Forces Community, and I’m delighted that we are able to hold the event once again this year. We have even more events going on this year and it will be a fantastic opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the valuable contribution and huge sacrifices made by those who serve our country,” said Amanda Peers, Chair of SAFCO.
“We are all grateful to Stockport Council and partners for their support and also to local businesses and organisations for making this happen through sponsoring the event – I’m sure it will once again be a great day for the whole of Stockport to celebrate.”
“Last year’s Armed Forces Day was a fantastic event, and we hope that everyone heads down on June 29 to show how all of our communities can come together and celebrate the contributions of our Armed Forces in Stockport and beyond,” adds Vicki Bates, Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Governance and Senior Responsible Officer for delivery and support of the Armed Forces Covenant at Stockport Council.
“Stockport is once again proud to recognise the achievements of our ex-service personnel and serving armed forces. Armed Forces Day gives us all a chance to thank them all and show our appreciation for what they do.”
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