Get on parade!

The Armed Forces Day parade marshal wants you to fall in!

On Sunday, 25 June the parade will march from its start point near LA Bowl in Ryde at exactly 11am.

Leading the parade will be some military vehicles and the Royal British Legion Bikers. If you want to put your best foot forward and march along, this is your opportunity.

Councillor Ian Dore, Armed Forces Champion and Armed Forces Day chair, said: “Our parade marshal Simon loves to give it left right left and, in my mind, the more the merrier.

"So, if you want to be on the receiving end of his dulcet tones, marching in this year’s parade; here’s your chance. We already have a fine complement of marching bands, veterans, reservists, and members of the Royal British Legion but…you can always have more!”

At 10.30am, the Armed Forces Day marching parade participants will assemble next to the Ryde Superbowl in Eastern Gardens.

The military vehicles will depart first, followed shortly at 11am by the marching parade itself.

Under the instruction of the parade marshal, accompanied by a glorious cacophony of music, it will move off down past Peter Pan's Funfair, passing the saluting dais.

There, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon will take the salute. Once round and in position, there then follows the opening ceremony at 11.30am on the grassed area of Eastern Gardens.

Councillor Dore added: “It is recognised that not everyone can get there under their own steam, especially when it comes to veterans.

"It’s also vital to remember that the definition of a veteran is anyone who has served for at least one day in His Majesty’s Armed Forces. That can be regular or reserve. Plus, it includes merchant mariners who have seen duty, on legally defined military operations. It's all-encompassing. "Via the Isle of Wight Council, several additional parking spaces have been made available specifically for veterans that wish to march.

"It is only right that those with disabilities or accessibility issues, be prioritised. They of course can be assisted by family members. It means they can park nice and close, ready to participate in the parade.

"The FREE spaces are on a first come first served basis, via an
online application for the less able, but no less committed veterans.

"Injury or age shouldn’t be a barrier if you want to take part. The council has kindly removed that barrier so please, get in touch and apply ASAP."

For more information, visit the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day website.