HUNDREDS of people braved intense downpours to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Malvern and Ledbury.
On Saturday afternoon, about 2,000 people attended the Malvern Gala at Victoria Park which opened with a parade and drumhead service. Salutes were paid to deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire, the Hon Lady Rosalind Morrison, who was accompanied by the deputy Mayor of Malvern, Coun Hannah Campbell.
Displays and information from Malvern’s Sea, Air, Army and Maritime Cadets, Malvern Radar and Technology Heritage Society, the Aden Veterans’ Association, plus the Western Front Association and more were on offer for visitors.
Three Chelsea Pensioners also attended the event dressed in their traditional scarlet coats.
Visitors were able to experience living history in the form of a First World War Cavalry Recruitment stand, ex-military vehicles and a vintage motorcycle rally.
Children enjoyed a climbing wall, bouncy castle and a face-painter and there was plenty of food and drink available from the Cotswold Pizza Co and ThreeSixty café.
Rich Goodwin took to the skies and performed two stunt aerial displays in his Union flag-themed Muscle Biplane and music was provided from a number of bands including Malvern Supalele Band, the Remi Harris Trio and the Band of the Adjutant-General’s Corps.
Ledbury also showed their support for Armed Forces Day when crowds braved the rain to remember the centenary of The Battle of Jutland and The Battle of the Somme.
A full programme of activities had been organised with stalls and displays in and around the town centre showcasing horses, a tank, rifles and other weaponry and cookery from the trenches.
The Ledbury Brass Band, community choirs, and the West Midlands Fire Service Band provided music and singing throughout the day.
