Town to celebrate the Armed Forces

Current and former service personnel will be marching through Spalding on Tuesday (June 25) as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Schools, Cadets and Mini Police members are set to join in the celebrations of service personal which begins with a short service in Hall Place at 11am.

The parade will then march through the market to St Mary and St Nicolas Church where refreshments will be served.

It’s the sixth year the event has been held in Spalding.

Armed Forces Day itself isn’t actually until Saturday, June 29, but this year’s celebrations in the town are slightly earlier but still part of Armed Forces week which begins the day before.

Organiser Jan Whitbourn, said: “I’m so excited.

“There’s going to be a lot of amazing people there for the parade.

“A lot of schools are allowing pupils to attend, which is fantastic.

“It’s going to be the biggest parade we’ve carried out and it’s a fantastic opportunity for the town to show its support for both current and veteran service personnel.”

Those set to attend include serving members of the RAF based at Coningsby and Wittering walking alongside many veterans including those recently returned from the D-Day celebrations.

Several school choirs will be adding their voices to proceedings alongside the service conducted by Rev John Bennett of St Mary and St Nicolas.

Singer Craig Delaney will also sing a song for the veterans.

There’s also a possibility of a surprise attraction to keep an eye out for as part of the parade, though Jan remains tight lipped on that.

“It’s something I’ve been trying to get for the parade for a long time,” she said.

No roads will be closed as a result of the parade, so Jan is looking to hear from any volunteers who may be able to help marshal the parade as it crosses over Bridge Road.

Anyone who may be able to help can contact Jan on 07779 895388.