Excitement building for this weekend's Armed Forces Day
Published: 27 June 2024
Excitement is building for this Sunday's Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day with huge crowds expected to enjoy the event on Ryde sea front.
A jaw-dropping display by the Red Arrows at 11.30am will be the centrepiece of the annual celebration of the Armed Forces, alongside colourful parades and a fun-packed programme of family entertainment and attractions.
The main stage, sponsored by Hovertravel, will welcome back Island musician, Jack Nicholson, before the popular vocal harmony Vintage Trio perform a one-hour set of wartime-era songs in Eastern Gardens.
It'll then be eyes to the sky again for the arrival of the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team at 4pm.
The music continues with crowd favourites, the Isle of Wight Highland Pipes and Drums and Vectis Corps of Drums, not only in the marching parade, but performing their own solo shows. This year's marching bands are sponsored by Rouse Intelligent Financial Planning.
Ian Dore, Armed Forces Champion and event organiser, said: "The Island has such a high calibre of artists and our marching bands are top notch.
"We are eternally grateful to Rouse for sponsoring them, as they always deliver and add much grandeur to proceedings.
"Hovertravel have not only sponsored the stage and acts, but have also delayed a flight to accommodate the Red Arrows and are offering discounted travel for the day too.
"Both sponsors are incredibly welcome, and we thank them heartily for their support. It’s worth nothing they are both Armed Forces Covenant Signatories too.”
