SWINDON’s Royal British Legion will commemorate the fallen soldiers of our town with a series of services due to be held over the next fortnight off the back of a fundraising boost.

The RBL’s Swindon branch announced a final figure of £44,539.65 for the year ending September 30, 2013.

Tomorrow the 2013 Poppy Appeal will be launched by chairman of Swindon branch, Alan Baker, and the Mayor Nick Martin, who is returning to public service after a spell of sick leave.

The culmination of the RBL’s biggest fundraising campaign is a run through Lydiard Park and a music festival at the Wyvern Theatre.

The launch of the appeal will take place at 11am inside the Brunel at the entrance to Sainsbury’s.

On November 3, Royston Smith, secretary of the Swindon branch, is organising A Festival of Remembrance at the theatre, which starts at 1.30pm.

Tickets are £12 and all proceeds will go the Poppy Appeal. The festival will include performances from the Military Wives Choir, Swindon Brass, Sophie Maria King, The Tanwood Dancers and True Blue Singers.

There is extra pressure on people to come forward this year after last year’s festival was cancelled for just the second time in 27 years.

The cancellation was forced by a lack of sponsors and dwindling ticket sales.

Runners are still being urged to sign up for the RBL’s Run2Remember, which takes place at Lydiard Park on November 9.

On the day before Remembrance Sunday, when people across the country remember the fallen, Run2Remember will welcome runners of all ages and abilities, as the military and civilian communities join forces.

Setting off at 11am on Saturday, November 9, the run is now in its second year and aims to field a packed turn-out.

Alan said: “It’s very important people know about these events. The Royal British Legion needs their support after our difficulties last year.”