Honoring Service and Sacrifice
Leeds is poised to unfold a vibrant palette of patriotism for the eagerly anticipated Armed Forces Day 2024. The city center will transform into a bustling hub of red, white, and blue as residents and visitors gather to honor the valiant men and women associated with the armed forces. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, extends a warm invitation to a day rich with pageantry and family-friendly entertainment.
The commemorative event is slated for Sunday, June 30, from 11 am to 4 pm, transforming Briggate into an avenue of festivity. A rich array of stalls and activities, including a climbing wall and den-building, will cater to all ages. Street entertainers will sparkle throughout the day, adding a layer of enchantment to the atmosphere.
In a significant departure from tradition, the flag-raising ceremony will coincide with the event day this year, enhancing the ceremonial splendor. Set against the backdrop of Victoria Gardens, the national anthem will resonate at 10:45 am as the flags ascend, heralding the commencement of the grand parade led by the esteemed West Yorkshire Police Band.
A Day of Joyous Celebration
The pageantry continues as the parade, an impressive display featuring armed forces personnel, veterans, and cadets, marches up the Headrow and concludes on Briggate for the day’s speeches. The auditory landscape of the event will be enriched with diverse musical performances. The City of Leeds Pipe Band will deliver stirring melodies, while the Daisy Belles will transport the audience back to the 1940s. Rocky Road will infuse the ambiance with energy through their rock covers.
Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, underscores the significance of the day, “Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity for Leeds residents and families to come together and show their support and gratitude to our armed forces community.” Councillor Katung further emphasizes the importance of the event in the light of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal chapter in global history.
Leeds City Council joins hands with the Ministry of Defence in expressing its deepest gratitude by orchestrating this event. First Bus gestures its goodwill by offering cadets, veterans, and serving personnel free travel all weekend, as long as they are in uniform, displaying an ID card, or donning their medals.
Embracing the Armed Forces Spirit
This event is not just a standalone celebration but the grand finale of a month-long Armed Forces Day Festival. The festival has been punctuated with talks, exhibitions, and special events commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. As such, the event provides a platform for reflection on the sacrifices made by troops, both past and present.
The event promises to deliver an array of experiences for the entire family. From the thrill of climbing and the creativity of den-building to the shared moments of pride during the flag-raising ceremony, the day is tailored to foster community spirit and honor those who serve.
Leeds City Council invites residents and visitors to participate in this grand demonstration of gratitude and celebration. For more information on Leeds Armed Forces Day 2024, interested parties can visit leedsafd.co.uk.
For media enquiries, please contact the Leeds City Council communications and marketing team at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by phone at 0113 378 6007.