Marching together

This weekend sees the start of a double bill of military events in Sunderland. takes a closer look at the up- and- coming Armed Forces Day and the city’s first military tattoo.

THOUSANDS of people are set to enjoy a double bill of military extravaganzas on Wearside. Young and old will come together at Seaburn Recreation Park in appreciation of the work and sacrifice of Britain’s Army, Navy and Air Force.

Coinciding with other events across the country, Sunderland’s Armed Forces Day ( AFD) aims to be one of the biggest of its kind in England and will take place at Seaburn Recreation Park.

Elsewhere, hundreds of performers will take part in Sunderland’s first Tattoo, a spectacular celebration to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

AFD organiser Paul Jasper, right, said the event, which starts tomorrow, will combine music and dancing with military tributes and displays.

It will raise awareness of the work of service personnel as well as allow the public to show their support for serving troops, veterans and cadets.

The final of the three- day event will be dedicated to this year’s London Olympics, featuring a series of games and competitions.

Paul, who served 23 years in the Light Infantry and the Royal Green Jackets, said: “Everything has gone pretty much according to plan and we’re ready for the start.

“All we’re looking out for now is the weather forecasts, which we’re regularly checking up on.”

“We think the concert on Friday afternoon will be a big hit. We think it will be a big attraction for the younger crowd, which we wanted to do.”

From marching bands and music, to choirs and dancers, the Tattoo at St Peter’s Square at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus of the University of Sunderland will mark the six decades of Her Majesty’s reign.

The narrator will be Alasdair broadcasting and streaming live video from the event this weekend. It can be viewed at www. sparksunderland. com or www. sunderland. ac. uk, while listeners can also tune into 107 Spark FM for live commentary.

Fred Marden, head of TV, online and radio at the university, said: “The Diamond Jubilee tattoo is a fantastic example of great things happening in our community and we’ll be there to cover it on TV, on radio and online.

“There will be live television coverage and a full highlights package.”