Come and support Armed Forces Day!Flag-waving crowds are expected to flock to Mansfield Market Place on Sunday, 1 July for the town’s tribute to the Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces Day celebration runs from 10.15am to 3pm and among the highlights with be a flypast by a Dakota, free children’s activities and a re-enactment of a First World War trench.

The Dakota, from the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight, is scheduled to fly past at 2.25pm.

All the Armed Forces, along with Help4Heroes, the Royal British Legion, local cadets and police cadets, will be represented. There will also be live vintage music from The Moonshiners plus a 1940s singalong with The Cherry Belles.

The event starts at 10.15am with a parade, led by the Mansfield District Corps of Drums, from The Buttercross on West Gate to the Market Place where Deputy Mayor of Mansfield Cllr Mick Barton will officially open the event.

Cllr Barton said: “We all owe the Armed Forces so much so I hope people in Mansfield will come along and show just how much we appreciate what they do. This is always a popular event with something for all ages so why not pack a picnic and come along and join the celebration. Bring all the family!”

Organised by Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Mansfield District Council, and with additional funding from the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for local people to show their appreciation of servicemen and women, past and present.

It is part of a national weekend of events up and down the country to recognise the services. In Mansfield, visitors will be able to write memories and messages of support on a giant heart. Other attractions will be a display of vintage and contemporary army vehicles, free flags (while stocks last), memorabilia, stalls, food vans and free children’s army activities and face painting.

People can also have a go at knitting a poppy to add to Mansfield District Council’s Remembrance Day display which will be installed on the front of the Old Town Hall during the Remembrance Day weekend.

Sue Rogers, from Mansfield BID, said: “This is always a great event for the town, as it brings people together to say thank you to those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces. There’s a touch of nostalgia, and the flypast should be amazing. There is always a great atmosphere – and it’s free to attend.”

Squadron Leader Andy Millikin, Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, added: “Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity to highlight the work Service personnel do, and in the Royal Air Force’s centenary year, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is immensely proud to mark it with a Dakota flypast for Mansfield.”