Bolton Council is leading a packed programme of events to celebrate Armed Forces Week, including the raising of the flag, cadet challenges and commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
On Monday June 20, the Armed Forces flag was raised over the Town Hall and there was a short service in Victoria Square from 10.45am, attended by the Mayor of Bolton.
Later in the week, Armed Forces Day on Saturday June 27 will see a packed programme of activities in Victoria Square.
The day will begin with Bolton Sea Cadets raising their ensign flown from their mast head. There will then be a short service and a wreath laying ceremony led by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Lynda Byrne. It will be attended by the Duke of Lancaster Regiment; 216 Battery Bolton Artillery; Bolton United Services Veterans Association (established 1906); Royal British Legion, other veteran organisations and Bolton’s Combined Forces Cadets.
The day will include displays from the armed forces and cadets, plus a display by the Duke of Lancaster Regiment and inter cadet challenges. There will also be an Armed Forces Marketplace, with opportunities, information, advice and support for veterans and people interested in Armed Forces.
Live music will be played throughout the day from local school bands and charities and local history societies will have stalls and exhibitions on the armed forces, including memorabilia and old photographs.
Bolton FM will facilitate a quiet zone for reflection and intergenerational discussions between veterans, serving forces and the public, whilst staff from Royal Bolton Hospital will take part in a vehicle pull from the hospital to Victoria Square.
Bolton Library and Museum Service will also be carrying out a number of activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, including creating a display in Central Library and having a stall on Victoria Square for the public to see and handle memorabilia relating to the battle.
The day will end with a short ceremony to lower the flag and closing speeches.
Councillor Lynda Byrne, Mayor of Bolton said: “I am looking forward to leading Bolton’s tribute to those who have served in the armed forces, both past and present and seeing all of Bolton represented.
Armed Forces Day is an important date in the year's calendar as it gives us all a chance to commemorate all our armed forces who have served in any conflict. I would encourage all Boltonians to show their support and come along to the event.”
