The Bradford District Armed Forces Day event takes place on Saturday 27 June kicking off with a performance by the City of Bradford Brass Band at 10.45am. This will be followed by a traditional Drum Head Service at the memorial stones in Norfolk Gardens
in the city centre from 11am.
The Drum Head Service is a multi-faith service which is open to all, and this year will be led by Reverend Canon Jonathan Triffitt, Dean of Bradford Cathedral. During the service a makeshift altar is formed using drums, this replicates acts of worship which
take place in the theatre of war.
As well as the service there will be stalls and family-friendly activities until 3pm, including street entertainment, a climbing wall, face painting, henna art and creative crafts. Throughout the day there will be music from the Bradford Pipe Band and LA
Jazz.
Cadets fwill be in attendance throughout the day, ready to speak with visitors about their experiences and the opportunities available to young people.
Exhibitors from across the district will also be providing information about the heritage of the district and showcasing work to preserve the memory of those who have served.
This year’s event is once again hosted by Bradford Council and supported by Bradford District Veterans Forum, local forces charities and other partners who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
Keighley Armed Forces Day also takes place on Saturday 27 June between 11am and 3pm on the green space on North Street in the town centre.
Local cadets will open the event by parading from the Town Hall Square to Church Green. This will be followed by a fun day for all ages with lots of free activities including bouncy castles and a climbing wall, as well as stalls and local singers providing
entertainment.
Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Chris Herd said: “This is always such an important time in the district’s civic calendar and residents from across the Bradford district are warmly invited to come together at these events to honour the men and women, past
and present from across our all communities who serve our country.”
Councillor Chris Howlett, Bradford Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Armed Forces Week and the events for Armed Forces Day give us all valuable opportunities to stand together to recognise and celebrate the commitment, courage and service shown by
our armed forces.”