Town council to host day of community celebrations

For the first time, the council is to combine its annual Armed Forces Day and Community Day festivities into one fun-filled family event, Saturday, June 10, 10am to 4pm.

Organiser Hannah Lane said: “It’s always been important to our councillors to celebrate the work of our Armed Forces, and many of them work year-round with veterans charities who we’ll be supporting at the event.

“We hope that by combining these events we can increase their impact and offer something for everyone.”

The event will be fundraising for the Royal British Legion and other organisations helping military personnel past and present.

It will feature military vehicles, American War of Independence re-enactments, and local representatives from uniformed services.

There will also be lots of activities to get involved in such as circus skills workshops, a climbing wall, human hamster balls, inflatables, and sports taster sessions.

Competitive spirits can test their mettle on the rodeo ride, the Wipeout beam or challenge friends to a gladiator duel.

The day is also being staged to coincide with the town’s traditional football tournament, when 40 teams of youngsters from across four counties will go head to head in four age groups.

The centrepiece of the celebrations will be a free evening concert starting at 5.30pm with host Mark Daniels, a disco and live performances by local artists.

The entertainment will start earlier in the day with a packed stage line-up of dance groups, theatre schools and exercise demonstrations.

Businesses, charities, schools and local organisations are running a variety of stalls throughout the day too, including arts and crafts displays and classes, balloon modelling and face-painting.

To fuel the fun, expect fish and chips, freshly made pizzas, burgers and the ice cream van.

The council is seeking business sponsors with an array of corporate packages. To find out more, call 01427 811573.