Countdown To Armed Forces Day In Guildford Begins

Published on: 19 Mar, 2015
Updated on: 19 Mar, 2015

Guildford’s Mayor, David Elms (left) with the gun crews and two Irish Guardsmen form up between the guns on Castle Green today.

A gun salute at 11.30am today (Thursday, March 19) marked exactly 100 days to go until the 2015 Armed Forces Day National Event takes place in Guildford on Saturday, June 27.

A small number of the public joined a large media contingent and various soldiers, sailors and airmen to witness the salute given by two gun crews on Castle Green. The gun crews were gunners from the Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill, some trained as commandos (green berets) and one paratrooper (red beret).

Guildford will be the focus for the whole country on June 27, when local people and the wider community will be given the chance to thank everyone working in our armed forces.

One of the gun crews who fired the salute to mark 100 days until Armed Forces Day on June 27.

Armed Forces Day is an annual national celebration to raise awareness, show support and celebrate the contribution of our servicemen and women, past and present.

The Mayor of Guildford, David Elms, said: “We are extremely proud that Guildford has been chosen to host the Armed Forces Day National Event for the UK this year. This wonderful celebration, the highlight of 2015, will give us all a fantastic opportunity to show our support and appreciation for our Armed Forces and the sacrifices they make.

“It is going to be a memorable day, worthy of leading the nation in honouring our armed forces. We expect to welcome tens of thousands of local people and visitors to this special day.”

A drummer from the Irish Guards with the regimental mascot, an Irish wolfhound called Domhnall. The Irish Guards are the only Guards regiment permitted to have their mascot lead them on parade.

Major Mario Pirozzolo from 11 Infantry Brigade said: “The sound of the guns firing triggers a fantastic sense of expectation for what is going to be an action packed and fun filled day of celebration for thousands of people here in Guildford on June 27. We are immensely grateful to the people of Guildford for allowing us the opportunity to parade through their historic High Street; it is going to be a wonderful Armed Forces Day 2015.”

One of the two 105mm light guns used today. This type of gun has been in service with the British Army since the 1970s. It has a range of up to 17.5km and can fire high explosive, smoke and illumination shells. It can also be used in an anti-tank role. See the gun in action here.

Planned is an exciting line-up of family-focussed activities for about 60,000 people on June 27, with free entry to everything. More acts and details will be announced nearer the time; below is a taste of things to come.

– Following a special 9.30am service in Guildford Cathedral there will be a grand military parade at 11.30am, starting from the bottom of Guildford High Street to Stoke Park. Hundreds of personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and the Royal Air Force will join cadets and veterans on parade.

– The spectacular show at Stoke Park will have stalls and static displays from about 10.30am, with music and entertainment until 7.30pm when the event closes.

– The live action in Stoke Park starts at 1.30pm. Military highlights include:
– The Royal Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team
– The Royal Navy ‘Raiders’ Parachute Display Team
– The Royal Air Force Queen’s Colour Squadron
– The Band of the Royal Marines
– Massed Bands
– Apache and Merlin Helicopters
– An infantry Combat Battle Display.

– Live entertainment during the event comes from
– West End Kidz
– Rock Choir
– Tenor Thomas Hobbs
– Guildford College Performing Arts
– Firefly live music and poetry, and
– Choir Magic provide a local flavour for the show.

Those seeking more information, including volunteering opportunities, at www.guildfordarmedforcesday.co.uk

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