Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 19 June 2021

A SPECIAL outdoor service for Armed Forces Day will take place in Hinckley next Saturday (26 June), so that residents can show their support to the Armed Forces.

The outdoor service will be held with Covid safety measures in place – it will feature a parade and a military vehicle display.

It has been organised by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Churches Together, and the Hinckley Combined Ex-Services Association.

Representatives from the local cadet forces and different regiments, nationalities, sections, and services will all be in attendance.

The day gives everyone an opportunity to show support to the men and women who make up part of the Armed Forces community, such as the troops who are currently serving, service families, veterans, and cadets.

A short service led by Rev. Gary Weston will be held at 11am in the Argents Mead bandstand.

The service will be followed by a parade, who will walk down Church Walk and turn on to Station Road, where the Mayor of Hinckley & Bosworth, Cllr. Ted Hollick, will take part in a formal salute with Lt. Col. David Young TD DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire.

A display of military vehicles and memorabilia will be displayed in Argents Mead from 10am to 2pm, with a one-way system in operation.

People who would like to attend the event are being asked to stick to the Covid guidelines that are in place.

Town centre Covid marshals and event staff will be in attendance, and visitors will be able to use the hand sanitising stations.

Those showing symptoms of Covid are being asked not to attend.

Cllr. Keith Nichols, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and Town Centres at the Borough Council, said: “Whilst I am absolutely delighted that once again we are able to hold an event in recognition of our Armed Forces and veterans I would ask all those who plan to attend to follow all necessary coronavirus guidelines, they are in place for the safety of everyone.

“It is also great news that this event has been extended with the display of military vehicles and memorabilia, my thanks to everyone who has contributed to this. I am sure it will be very popular with everyone.”

Cllr. Danny Findlay, Armed Forces Champion, said: “I welcome that the Borough Council are able to mark Armed Forces Day this year in light of the reduced coronavirus restrictions.

“It is of great importance to recognise and thank our armed forces, veterans and cadet forces for all they have done and continue to do.

“The return of the Borough’s annual service and events are key to continuing to highlight the brilliant work that our forces personnel past and present do.

“I ask that those attending and participating in the occasion remember that there are still coronavirus restrictions in place, adhere to the guidelines, so that everyone can celebrate Armed Forces Day safely.”

To mark the national event, the Armed Forces day flag will be flown from the Hinckley Hub starting from 21 June to 28 June.