Bridgend to honour its Armed Forces community in town centre parade

Residents across Bridgend County Borough are invited to attend a celebratory event in support of the Armed Forces community, on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 24 June.

The event will take place on Wyndham Street and Dunraven Place in Bridgend town centre and will feature a parade in honour of the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to cadets and veterans.

The South Wales Police Band will lead the parade from Carnegie House at 11am and the event will close with a Drumhead Service at 1.45pm.

Military vehicles, musical entertainment, activities, and stalls representing Armed Forces organisations and charities will also be taking part in the event, which is being organised by Bridgend Town Council.

Further celebrations to mark Armed Forces Week include a ceremonial re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, which will take place on Friday, 23 June, at Bridgend County Borough Council Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend.

The Armed Forces Covenant was adopted by Bridgend County Borough Council in 2013, and pledges to help members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen, focusing on providing support in housing, education and health and wellbeing services.

To commemorate its tenth anniversary, council dignitaries including the Leader of The Council Councillor Huw David, Mayor of Bridgend County Borough William Kendall, Chief Executive Mark Shephard and Armed Forces Champion Councillor Martyn Jones, will be joined by HM Lord Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan Peter Vaughan QPM CStJ, The High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan Professor Jean White CBE MStJ and representatives from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, South Wales Police, South Wales Fire & Rescue, Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, BAVO, SSAFA and British Legion to re-sign the covenant to pledge allegiance.

The raising of the Armed Forces flag will also take place after the ceremony.

Organisations who would like to get involved in the Armed Forces Day event can contact Dawn Elliott, Community Engagement and Events Manager for Bridgend Town Council at Dawn.Elliott@bridgend.gov.uk

Organisations who wish to sign or re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant can get in touch with the regional armed forces liaison officer, Bethan Dennedy at b.dennedy@npt.gov.uk.

Events like these truly bring the community together, and it’s a fantastic way to honour and show our support and gratitude to the Armed Forces community in Bridgend County Borough for their commitment and courage and for the sacrifices that they have made whilst fighting to serve and protect our country.

Councillor Neelo Farr Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Wellbeing

We are proud to reinforce our commitment to supporting our existing servicemen and women and their families, reservists and veterans across Bridgend County Borough who have all made a significant contribution to our communities. Over the last ten years we have proactively developed relationships with the Armed Forces community and other local organisations, providing support with education, health and wellbeing, housing, financial assistance, careers and discounted services, and we will continue to help make it easier to access help and support in the local community.

Armed Forces Champion Councillor Martyn Jones