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Thousands turn out for Armed Forces Day in Plymouth

Zhara Simpson & Johnny Rutherford
BBC News, South West
BBC A military helicopter on Plymouth Hoe surrounded by people.BBC
Organisers said the event was an opportunity to support the whole military community from past to present

Thousands of people have been heading to Plymouth Hoe to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

The event, packed full of family fun, runs until 17:15 BST on Saturday and is followed by a free evening concert in the evening.

Organisers of Armed Forces Day say it is an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the military community from currently serving troops to reservists, veterans, cadets and their families.

Visit Plymouth said it will be a day "filled with fun" and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy and get involved with.

A small crowd gathers around a stage, which has the words Babcock written behind it.
There have been musical performances throughout the day

It said: "There will be plenty of interactive displays, veteran and military villages, military vehicles and equipment to explore, plus recruitment information should you feel inspired and want to find out about careers in the Armed Forces."

There will also be an emergency services area with equipment from the fire service, police, RNLI, coastguard and Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth.

Throughout the day demonstrations, parades and live music will be taking place, including an air demonstration at 16:00 BST.

Luke Pollard looking at the camera wearing a suit and tie, he is stood on Plymouth Hoe. Tents which have been set up as information points can be seen in the background with Royal Air Force signs.
Armed forces minister Luke Pollard, who is MP for Sutton and Devonport, attended

Armed forces minister Luke Pollard attended the event.

He said: "Every day of every year the men and women from our forces are keeping us safe, and in more dangerous times.

"We need to not only recognise we're [investing in them], we're doing it because an improved military makes us all safer."

Road closures

  • Hoe Road from the mound at the Citadel to the junction of Madeira Road, with suspension of parking from 07:00 to 22:30.
  • Citadel Road from the junction of Lockyer Street to the junction of Sussex Street from 17:00 to 19:00 with suspension of parking 07:00 to 19:00.
  • Suspension of parking at Osbourne Place entrance to the Hoe to the junction with The Esplanades from 07:00 to 19:00.
A tank on the left covered in a net. It is on Plymouth Hoe. The sky is grey.
Demonstrations, parades and live music have been taking place

Visit Plymouth said there are lots of car parks within walking distance, the closest being the Theatre Royal.

It said Plymouth City Bus is also offering free bus travel to military personnel, veterans and cadets with identification on the day.

A wide range of food and drink will be available throughout the day and organisers ask to use cash where possible as card payments may be limited due to "poor signal".

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