Forces to be reckoned with!
WEEKEND OF EVENTS TO CELEBRATE ARMED SERVICES EXPECTED TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER...
Plans are under way to make this year’s Sunderland Armed Forces Weekend bigger and better.
The three-day celebrations at Seaburn Recreation Ground will run from the evening of Friday, June 29, starting with a reunion for veterans and older members of the Wearside community as part of tea party.
It will be followed by a military day, which will launch at 10am with performance by a band, with a march along the seafront by cadet groups at 12.30pm.
The Saturday evening will feature a social event, with admission to a marquee to be set up on the ground and live bands to play, with admission £5.
It will be rounded off on Sunday with a family fun day and dog show from 9.30am.
Paul Jasper, one of the event’s organisers who spent 24 years in the Light Infantry and is now a driving instrucwith tor, said he hopes the city will host the country’s main event.
He said: “This year will be great, but we’re really looking at getting the main event here in Sunderland next year. We’re working together Sunderland City Council to look at how we can make that happen.”
Lined up to perform on the Friday evening is Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band, along with soloists John Rowland and Julie Pendleton.
On Saturday, entertainment includes the Lorraine Crosby Band, The King & I, a 1970s and 1980s Motown act, and a Meatloaf tribute.
Volunteers are still needed to help the weekend run smoothly. Anyone who would like to get involved can email afdsunderland@aol.co.uk.
More information about the celebrations can visit the Sunderland Armed Forces Weekend Facebook page.