VETERANS, serving personnel and supporters are preparing to come to Salisbury this weekend for the three day spectacular Armed Forces Event.

Kaiser Chiefs will headline to sold out crowds on Saturday night with The Feeling and Bjorn Again entertaining thousands at the event in Hudson Field on Friday and Sunday.

Wiltshire Council is flying the flag for Armed Forces Day at County Hall as the final preparations are made in Salisbury for the national event.

Friday:

On Friday afternoon a special BBQ has been planned for the Armed Forces and their families in Hudson Field.

The Feeling will headline on Friday night.

Saturday:

People have been advised to avoid driving into Salisbury on Saturday as many roads close for the Armed Forces Day parade, taking place in the city. Roads are set to be closed between 6am and 2pm. Shuttle buses will be provided from Millstream Coach Park and bus stop K outside Tesco on Castle Street throughout the weekend from the city centre to Hudson Field.

The annual Armed Forces parade through the city begins at 9.45am on Saturday morning and celebrate the work regular and reserve personnel, cadets and emergency services do for their communities.

The Red Arrows will make a flying visit and HRH The Princess Royal Princess Anne is coming to the city to enjoy the day.

Cllr Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We are honoured that Salisbury has been chosen to host the Armed Forces Day National Event, and we are looking forward to the military parade which promises to be a spectacular occasion.”

With temperatures set to reach up to 27 degrees on Saturday the Hudson Field has been transformed into a hub of activity.

Stalls, charity stands and children’s activity areas will join a military village and blue light village set up in the green area.

The main stage will be full of music throughout the day including rising star acts on the BBC Wiltshire stage.

A firework display will round off the day on Saturday night to celebrate all things Armed Forces after the Kaiser Chiefs performance.

Sunday:

Sunday focuses on veterans and young people including both those who have served and those who may serve, with a commemoration and drumhead service, supported by the Royal British Legion, with the Bishop of Salisbury and padres leading the service.

Elsewhere plans are underway to celebrate the day of recognition on Sunday. The Seend branch fo the Royal British Legion will hold a Drumhead Service on the Lye Fields at 3pm on Sunday.

For more information about the event in Salisbury visit:

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/salisbury-afd