Bolton is hosting a series of events this June to honour the Armed Forces community.
The programme begins on Monday, 22 June, with the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag, before a luncheon for veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces.
There will be a short service commencing at 10:55am by the war memorial in Victoria Square, where the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised on Bolton Town Hall.
Veterans, serving personnel, and standard bearers are invited to attend.
Lunch will then be served in the Festival Hall, on the first floor of Bolton Town Hall, where local companies Carrs Pasties, Park Cakes, and Bank Top Brewery will provide all food and drink free of charge.
This promises to be a celebratory event, with live musical entertainment planned to get attendees singing and waving their flags.
On Saturday, 27 June, Bolton Council will then host its annual Armed Forces Day event and service in Victoria Square from 10am - 3:30pm.
There will be a formal service at 10:40am, followed by a full day of displays, music, competitions, and activities for the whole family.
Cllr Andy Morgan, Bolton Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:
“This is an extremely significant annual event, providing an opportunity to reflect and show appreciation to our Armed Forces and their families, both
past and present.
“It will be great to see veterans, service personnel, and the local community come together to mark this really important commemoration.”
Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, the Mayor of Bolton, said:
“Armed Forces Day is a National Day and a very special day in our calendar, and it is vital that we never forget the sacrifice of those who serve.
“I strongly encourage everyone to join us in Victoria Square for a day of celebration that the whole family will enjoy.
“We want to honour our Armed Forces, both past and present, and I look forward to welcoming veterans and serving personnel to the Festival Hall on the Monday.”
For those wishing to attend the free luncheon, please click here to book a place for each attendee before Monday, 15 June.