More than 13,500 people enjoyed a variety of entertainment in Mansfield to celebrate Armed Forces Day before a flypast by an iconic wartime Lancaster bomber.

Some shops reported a boost in trade of up to 90 per cent thanks to a doubling of footfall, while the Market Place was busy throughout the day with the public meeting the Armed Forces, browsing numerous stalls and benefiting from free giveaways.

Nostalgic musical entertainment was provided by the La di Dah’s, a trio singing songs from the 1930s, 40s and 50s,and Darren, who sang famous Rat Pack-style hits.

The day began with Mansfield District Corps of Drums leading a parade, which featured representatives from all the
Armed Forces, standard bearers, and associated charities, from The Buttercross on West Gate to the Market Place.
Free flags were handed out for people to wave as the parade passed by.

Organisations supporting the day included Royal Navy Reserves, HMS Sherwood, Royal Navy Association, Grenadier Guards, Mansfield Sea Cadets, 384 Air Cadets, Royal Air Force Association, Royal British Legion, North Notts and Mansfield District Veterans Support Group, and Help For Heroes.

Hundreds of free Top Secret activity booklets, glider planes, flags, frisbees, bags, seeds and pens were given away. The public also sat in vintage military vehicles, looked at a display of motorcycles, and climbed on board a fire engine.

Sue Rogers, operations manager at organisers Mansfield BID, said: “This was a wonderful day for all the family and they turned out to show their support.

“The icing on the cake was the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast by the iconic Lancaster Bomber at the end of the day.

“How great was the moment when it flew over our town centre with the theme from The Dam Busters film being played by Mansfield District Corps of Drums.

“It was spectacular! What an emotional day — a day to be remembered for a long time.”

Mansfield BID chief executive Jay Rowlinson, who served in the Army for more than 30 years, opened the event.

He said: “Today I’m thinking of Ukraine. One of the reasons ‘we are free’ is the dedication of the Armed Forces and the fact that many people, often young people, are talented and fighting for the country.”

Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams, who took part in the parade, added: “It was fantastic to see so many people out in the Market Place celebrating our Servicemen and Servicewomen, saying thank you, and helping to raise funds for the causes they support.

“Mansfield District Council was proud to work alongside the Mansfield BID team to welcome visitors for what was a tremendously successful day.

“The crowds enjoyed the entertainment, which captured the nostalgia of Armed Forces Day. Thank you to everyone who turned out, even in the unscheduled rain, and waited to see the prestigious flypast. What a wow factor for all of us!”

Anyone who would like to be part of next year’s Armed Forces Day should email Sue at [email protected] or visit mansfieldbid on Facebook.