Diane James and her famous Vera Lynn tribute

Reading pays tribute to veterans on Armed Forces Day

  • Free family-friendly event on 25 June in the Forbury Gardens and town centre between 11am to 4.30pm.
  • Musical performances, craft workshops and activities throughout the day

READING will again this year be paying tribute to its military veterans with a host of family-friendly activities in the Forbury Gardens and Broad Street on Saturday 25 June.

Armed Forces Day celebrations will be taking place across the country to give everyone the opportunity to show their support and appreciation for our services personnel, past and present, including Reservists, veterans and cadets as well as their families.

Armed Forces Day

In Reading, the annual event begins at 11am in the Forbury Gardens and throughout the day there will be performances from Diane James and her famous Vera Lynn and Doris Day tributes, Silver Tones and the Reading Scottish Pipe Band.

Families can enjoy balloon modelling, face painting and an extra special art workshop from Jelly will be running throughout the day. There will be stands from charity and community organisations, including SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity, the Royal British Legion and The Forgotten British Gurkha Veterans Charity.

A selection of refreshments will be available, although visitors are very welcome to bring along a picnic.

The day will culminate with the annual HM Armed Forces Veteran’s Badge Presentation from 4pm, led by Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr James Puxley and The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Eden.

Cllr Rachel Eden, the Mayor of Reading, said: “Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for our community to come together to show our appreciation to the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces, and to those who continue to do so.

“This event is always popular and will include everyone from cadets to veterans. Everyone is welcome to join us and show their support.  You can enjoy all the activities on offer at Forbury gardens and even bring a picnic.”

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