Nottingham will, this Saturday, take on the role of host city for Armed Forces Day 2013 and to mark the occasion as a huge series of celebrations and events lined up – as well as the return of the annual Big Night Out!.
The day will start with a feu de joie – “fires of joy” – by the guns of the local 100 Regiment Royal Artillery at Nottingham Castle, followed by a tri-service parade from the Castle to the Market Square for a Drumhead Service. As part of the parade will be the first ever visit to Nottingham of the world famous gun battery the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
There will also be a host of RAF Flypasts including the world renown Red Arrows.
As well as the goings on in the Market Square there will be a day of activities along Victoria Embankment. There will be Tri-Services villages and a host of displays as well as live music and entertainment throughout the day.
You can journey through time with Armed Forces through the Ages which will offer a glimpse into military life – from the Romans to the Falklands, take in live hands-on demonstrations on everything from weapons and tactics to cooking as well as children’s activities,
Plus there will be a host of events in the Arena, including viking skirmishes, a Battle of Britain speech, Victorian cavalry display and a multi-period parade.
Among the live on stage entertainment will be performances by the Joe Strange Band & Sam Beeton, The Establishment, Brad Dear, Sinners Highway and Steve McGill – plus much, much more.
All in all it promises to be a huge day of events and celebrations where you can learn more about the role of the British Armed Forces both in the past and during the present day.
For the full event programme for the Armed Forces Day events click here
The evening will also see the return of the Big Night Out event with live music in the Square, including a performance by Notts funk act Fat Digester, discounts at a host of city centre eating and drinking establishments and special offers for things such as Nottingham Ghost Walks, Heroes and Villains Tours and entrance into the Nottingham Caves, plus free access to the Castle and tours of the Council House. There is even half price Quasar for those who fancy.
For more information on the Big Night Out click here
