A town's popular armed forces celebration has been called off for the year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lowestoft's Armed Forces Day event has been cancelled for 2019. Thousands gathered for last year's celebration. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's Armed Forces Day event has been cancelled for 2019. Thousands gathered for last year's celebration. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Organisers of Lowestoft's annual Armed Forces Day event announced this afternoon that this summer's gathering will not be held due to "unforeseen circumstances" and a lack of committee members.

Thousands flocked to Royal Green last year as Lowestoft saluted military heroes of past, present and future for the 13th time, enjoying family fun, fascinating displays and poignant tributes to the fallen.

But in a statement issued via its Lowestoft Armed Forces Day Facebook page, the committee emphasised a decision to cancel this year's event "not been taken lightly".

East Anglian Daily Times: Lowestoft's Armed Forces Day event has been cancelled for 2019. Thousands gathered for last year's celebration. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's Armed Forces Day event has been cancelled for 2019. Thousands gathered for last year's celebration. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

The announcement said: "It is with regret we must inform you the decision has been taken to not hold Lowestoft Armed Forces Day this year.

"This is not a decision the committee has taken lightly and we appreciate there will be disappointment. There have been unforeseen circumstances along with a lack of numbers on the committee to organise the day to the extent it deserves."

While the absence of this year's celebration is set to cause immense disappointment among regulars, the committee has expressed its willingness to revive it in years to come.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lowestoft's Armed Forces Day event has been cancelled for 2019. Thousands gathered for last year's celebration. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's Armed Forces Day event has been cancelled for 2019. Thousands gathered for last year's celebration. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

"From its humble beginnings in the town centre, Lowestoft Armed Forces Day has grown to be a date in the Lowestoft event calendar not to be missed," the statement continued.

"This is by no means the end of Lowestoft Armed Forces Day, but a hiatus to allow us to increase the committee numbers and plan an event that will that will do our Armed Forces, past, present and future justice - but equally give the people of Lowestoft another day they will never forget."

East Anglian Daily Times: Lowestoft's Armed Forces Day event has been cancelled for 2019. Thousands gathered for last year's celebration. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's Armed Forces Day event has been cancelled for 2019. Thousands gathered for last year's celebration. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)