After three years confined to barracks by the pandemic, Tameside's annual salute to service personnel past, present and future will return to its traditional home of Victoria Park in Denton on Saturday 25 June.

Proceedings for Armed Forces Day start in the morning when the Civic Mayor, Councillor Mike Glover, hosts a lunch where he and other dignitaries will have the opportunity to thank personnel directly.

From 1pm, the focus moves to the park bandstand, with live music from the Dave Egerton Band and singer Jo Farrow.

There will be a wide range of free family-friendly activities – from arts and crafts to physical challenges – and many support organisations will be in attendance, including Tameside Armed Services Community, to help and advise serving and former members of the forces.

Staff from Tameside Local Studies and Tameside Museums will be on hand to assist with any questions about military history and genealogy. Members of the reserve and cadet forces will be present.

Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon from Victoria Park Community Centre.

Cllr Vincent Ricci, Tameside Council’s armed forces champion, said: “It’s so good to have Armed Forces Day back so that we, as a council, and the people of Tameside, can properly show our support and appreciation for the sacrifices made on our behalf.

“As a borough, we have a long and close relationship with the services and I hope lots of people will visit Victoria Park and enjoy the many activities on offer.”

For more information, people can call 0161 342 4144.

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