CULTURES came together in Chippenham as the town celebrated Commonwealth Day with a flag raising, food and dance.

The annual event was marked with a flag raising outside the town hall at 10am on Monday (March 13) which was attended by residents, dignitaries and 100 soldiers from the Wiltshire-based 9 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC).

In the afternoon, a cultural event was held which showcased some of the 28 different nationalities serving at Hullavington with native dishes and performances in the Neeld.

Councillor and Chippenham Mayor, Terry Gibson, said: “The Town Council was delighted to celebrate once again Commonwealth Day with 9 Regiment RLC based at Buckley Barracks.

“This year’s Commonwealth theme was A Peace Building Community and the event served as an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the cultures from the 52 countries in the Commonwealth and help promote the shared values of peace, democracy and equality.

“We had over 450 local school children, 67 residents and carers from Chippenham based residential and care homes and good support from the general public.

“All of whom came along and watched cultural performances and tasted food created by Fijian, African, West Indian and Nepalese soldiers of 9 Regiment RLC and their families.

“We would like to thank everyone involved for their support in this event which celebrates diversity within our community.”

Commanding Officer Lt Col Tim Symonds said: “You can show children the map and all the different Commonwealth countries but to be able to walk them through it, and explain it and hear about the cultures first hand brings it to life.

“And underneath it all are the shared values of the Commonwealth, peace, democracy and equality, something that is really important to us in the British Army.”