Borough Council Delighted With Success Of Armed Forces Day

Published on: 29 Jun, 2015
Updated on: 1 Jul, 2015

Guildford Borough Council is delighted with the 2015 Armed Forces Day National Event and thank all who visited, its sponsors and those who took part.

The Mayor of Guildford, Nikki Nelson-Smith, said: “It was a very proud moment to stand at the Tunsgate Arch next to His Royal Highness, The Duke of York, and join the many thousands of people lining the High Street to watch the armed forces parade and give a heartfelt welcome to the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force.

“Guildford provided a glorious backdrop to the magnificent display of uniformed men and women, veterans, cadets and military bands making their way through the town up to Stoke Park.

“Families and people of all ages thoroughly enjoyed the military displays and the military village. The Stoke Park show had a wonderful atmosphere and I was delighted to see so many people turn out to celebrate in Guildford. A big thank you to all our partners, sponsors and supporting organisations for helping us stage a truly memorable event.”

The Household Cavalry Regiment’s Musical Ride in Stoke Park’s Main Arena.

The leader of the council, Stephen Mansbridge, said: “Along with the many visitors and local people, we were honoured to welcome Prime Minister David Cameron and the Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon, to join us in thanking Britain’s armed forces.

“Servicemen and women received a fantastic welcome to Guildford and so many people from the council and our partners worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the day ran smoothly. This event will be remembered as one of the borough’s historic milestones and is a wonderful legacy for Guildford.”

Evening entertainment on Stoke Park’s Arena Stage.

The lead councillor for Armed Forces Day, Matt Furniss, added: “This is the first time in Guildford’s history that Stoke Park was used in its entirety to stage an event.

“It was the perfect location and setting to host the Armed Forces Day National Event 2015 and over 35,000 people came to the park on the day.

“The Red Arrows’ final flypast over the park provided a stunning end to the live action military displays and many thousands stayed on for the evening’s live music.

“From the Jam delivered an explosive finale on the Arena Stage much to the enjoyment of the crowds who had experienced a whole day of free entertainment including displays from jets, motorbikes, horses, helicopters and infantry live action.”