Stowmarket hosts Suffolk Armed Forces Day celebrations

The free event, organised by Mid Suffolk District Council in partnership with Stowmarket Town Council, took place at the King’s Meadow Recreation Ground and featured a mix of ceremonial moments and family-friendly entertainment.

Proceedings included speeches honouring the armed forces community, alongside a ceremonial salute involving detachments from Wattisham, Honington and Rock Barracks in Woodbridge. Visitors were also able to view a display of historic military vehicles.

Stowmarket played host to an Armed Forces Day event (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Stowmarket played host to an Armed Forces Day event (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Entertainment throughout the day included live performances from a 30-piece brass band, Honington Military Wives and 1930s-style swing duo The Vibettes.

A range of activities, including face painting, soft play and inflatables, were available, while local businesses, charities and community groups hosted stalls.

There was also a helicopter flypast in the early afternoon.

Cllr James Patchett, Mid Suffolk District Council’s armed forces champion, said the event had been a fitting tribute. He said: “We were honoured to host Armed Forces Day in our district and to bring the whole community together for such a special celebration.

“Armed Forces Day is a reminder to us all of the sacrifices these heroes and their families make to keep us safe, and it was fantastic to champion their achievements alongside our residents.”

Cllr James Patchett, Cllr Lorraine Baker, Mark Pendlington, Oliver Paul, Cllr Derek Davis, Cllr Darren Dordoy (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Stowmarket played host to an Armed Forces Day event (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Stowmarket mayor Cllr Darren Dordoy said the town had been “incredibly proud” to host the event, adding it had been “a chance for our community to come together and celebrate our Armed Forces”.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Mark Pendlington, described the day as “one of the highlights of our county calendar”, adding: “It was an opportunity to honour all those who serve with such selfless courage and distinction, and the veterans who have sacrificed so much.”

The Vibettes (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Honington Brass Band (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Stowmarket played host to an Armed Forces Day event (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Stowmarket played host to an Armed Forces Day event (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Stowmarket played host to an Armed Forces Day event (Image: Lucy Taylor)