For many across the United Kingdom, Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community past and present.
The occasion usually sees parades and services take place across Great Britain, and the North East is usually home to some of the biggest and best - with full weekend events dedicated to the cause in certain localities within the regions.
And there's no doubt that many proud residents across the region will be eager to make the most of the up and coming events which will take place over the course of the coming weekend, following a two year lay-off for many due to the global Coronavirus pandemic.
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We know some of you might not know where your nearest Armed Forces Day event is on June 25 and neighbouring days. So here at Chronicle Live, we've compiled a list of most major celebration happening across the North East.
What's on around the North East for Armed Forces Day 2022?
Newcastle:
Family fun day on Nuns Moor - 25 June
Newcastle will celebrate Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25 June at a fun filled day on Nuns Moor that will include the Newcastle’s inter-forces football challenge. Local residents are being invited to join military personnel, veterans and cadets to celebrate Armed Forces Day and say thank you to our services personnel for their dedication and service to our city.
Attractions, organised by Newcastle City Council, will include military displays and re-enactments, the opportunity to try some food from the Second World War, field kitchen and to see what it feels like to handle weapons from the Cold War.
Or if team sports are more your style you can watch as Army, RAF and Sea Cadets compete in Newcastle’s first inter-forces football championship. The winning team gets the Newcastle Armed Forces Day 2022 Trophy.
There is the chance to get up close to military vehicles, hear music from the Royal Fusiliers Band and Newcastle Cathedral Choir, enjoy fairground rides and show off your climbing skills or join the Dig for Victory.
Sunderland:
Armed Forces Weekend Event at Seaburn Rec Park - 25 and 26 June
Sunderland will play host to its usual Armed Forces weekender, where residents will come together and celebrate all of the sacrifices and contributions made to society by servicemen past and present.
Over the course of the weekend, various performances will take place in Seaburn from a number of different acts. Local dance troupes will get amongst the action, alongside the D Day Darlings and Yvonne the Vintage Vocalist, in an event jam-packed with family fun. As well as this, a number of military associations and charities will be present.
For the foodies of Sunderland and market lovers, around 70 stalls and food vendors will also take to the streets. A fun fair for the kids will be on site, as well as an abundance of military vehicles for history enthusiasts.
Finally, Historia Normanis will set up a 13th century encampment display.
North Tyneside:
Armed Forces Day Showcase at the Spanish City - 25 June
For the first time since 2019, North Tyneside will play host to a celebratory Armed Forces Day event.
On Saturday 25 June, active servicemen and women, veterans, cadets, and residents are invited to Spanish City plaza for an Armed Forces showcase and recruitment event, featuring a range of stalls, between 11am and 3pm. The event will be attended by the Royal British Legion, military history groups, scout groups, Air and Sea cadets, emergency services and veterans’ charities.
The Armed Forces flag will also be flown outside North Tyneside Council’s Quadrant headquarters from Monday 20 June as a sign of respect.
Former British Army Sergeant, Laura Potter, works for the council providing a range of support for veterans and Armed Forces personnel. She said: “We are very proud to pay our respects once again to our servicemen and women for their sacrifices and their service to our country.
“This year’s event carries a special significance as it coincides with the 40 th anniversary of the Falklands War, and I am sure it will give everyone a reason to pause and reflect on the causalities of that conflict. The event will be a lively gathering of groups who are in some way linked to the Armed Forces community and we invite residents to come down, meet some of our stallholders, and discover more about life in the Forces and the support that is available to our veterans.”
North Tyneside Council also provides a range of support on housing, welfare, and health services for veterans and serving personnel. They will be offering a week’s free gym access from Monday 20 June until Sunday 26 June at any council-owned leisure centre to MOD 90 or Veteran’s who live in North Tyneside.
County Durham:
Bishop Auckland Armed Forces Day at Bishop Auckland RUFC - 25 June
Those in County Durham can enjoy a family fun filled day on June 25 in Bishop Auckland. Starting at 10am, visitors can make the most of funfair rides provided by Murphy's Fair with a number of local food and drinks vendors also present at the event.
Sqn Bishop Auckland will also be performing a coveted live drill display for those in attendance.
Aspiring servicemen and women can find out more about a career in the army at the 609 Aux Sqn Regiment and RAF police recruitment stand, while youngsters can also sign up for the Air Cadets at a stand provided by them.
For vehicle lovers, the 34 Sqn will also be bringing an RAF regiment armoured vehicle for photo opportunities galore.
Will you be making most of the Armed Forces Day events?
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