Hull will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict next weekend.
On Saturday 18 June, residents and visitors will be invited into the city centre with a chance to watch and interact with attractions in Queens Gardens and around the rose bowl area.
The event will be officially opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Christine Randall, at 10am in Queens Gardens, near the main stage area.
Two of the main attractions are two full size Royal Navy Helicopters a Lynx and a Gazelle, alongside the helicopters, interactive displays including a Clearance Diver display (bomb disposal team), and the Royal Marines Commando Recruit Team who will have various “then & now” displays of weapons and equipment.
A Spitfire will fly past at 2.25pm, weather permitting.
Various Veterans organisations will be talking about their involvement in the Falklands campaign, including Hull 4 Heroes, Royal British Legion, Hull Peoples Memorial, United Towing Group, South Atlantic Medal Association and Norland Crew Charity.
Free children’s craft workshops and face painting will also be hosted in the gardens, alongside live music from the Humberside Police band, Army Cadet Force Band and The Soldiers of Swing.
The Soldiers Of Swing are made up of Sgt Vince Fountain and Cpl Lee Day, who met each other in the Army. They started off singing for veterans and pensioners in care homes and have now gone on to perform at festivals, theatres and on TV including reaching the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2020 and winning the prestigious Golden Gavel on BBC One’s Bargain Hunt.
A number of military groups will also have displays, including 150 Regiment, the 4 Yorks Regiment, 299 Para Regiment, 250 Medical Squad and the Queen’s Own Yeomanry. The Breakfast Club and Army Cadets will also be stationed here.
Children can take part in an art afternoon workshop at Ferens Art Gallery with prizes up for grabs.
As part the events, Guildhall Road will be closed between Wilberforce Drive and Quay Street from 7am to 5pm on Saturday.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “On the 40th anniversary, it is only fitting that Hull commemorates this significant date and the role the city played. This event provides an opportunity for families to get close and interact with military equipment and vehicles they wouldn’t normally see.
“Having two naval helicopters stationed in the Gardens will be something to witness and I’m sure will attract visitors from far and wide.”
Alongside Saturday’s family event, on Sunday (19 June), a service will take place at Hull Minster at 2pm, followed by a parade from Hull Minster to the Cenotaph, led by The Royal Marines Band of Scotland. The parade will travel from Trinity Square across Posterngate on to Trinity House Lane, Whitefriargate, Carr Lane, Queen Victoria Square, King Edward Street and Jameson Street to the Cenotaph, where a further short service with wreath laying will be held.
For more information on the weekend’s events, see visithull.org
