A FANFARE of trumpets from the British Army Band Colchester is set to herald Armed Forces Day in Colchester next Tuesday.

Colchester Council will join local authorities and community groups across the country by flying the Armed Forces Day Flag in support of servicemen and women and for the wider Armed Forces community of families, veterans and cadets.

This year’s raising of Armed Forces Day Flags across the country heralds a week of virtual and physical celebrations culminating on Armed Forces Day, Saturday June 26.

Colchester will be raising its Armed Forces Day Flag from the Town Hall alongside the Pegasus flag of 16 Air Assault Brigade.

Tuesday also marks the 81st anniversary of Winston Churchill’s Second World War order to “raise a corps of at least 5,000 parachute troops, suitably organised and equipped", which is seen as the birth of the British Airborne Forces, whom the Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade trace their origins to and draw inspiration from.

The Mayor of Colchester Robert Davidson will lead the ceremony, accompanied by the Commander of Colchester Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Jim McManus AAC, and Garrison Sergeant Major WO1 Andy Lamont.

Other attendees will include the High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell.

The public is also invited to attend the socially-distanced event, which takes place on the steps of the Town Hall.

Mr Davidson, said: “The raising of the Armed Forces and Pegasus flags gives us the opportunity to thank the military community who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation.

"I offer my respect, admiration and gratitude to our service personnel and their families and the veterans and cadets who make up the Armed Forces community and offer Colchester’s enduring commitment of support to you all.”

Lieutenant Colonel Jim McManus AAC, Commander Colchester Garrison, added: “Armed Forces Day presents an opportunity for the nation to recognise and thank the military community, which encompasses service personnel, both regular and reserve, their families, veterans and cadets.

“Colchester Garrison is hugely proud of the close, longstanding bond that exists between the military and civilian communities within Colchester – a relationship that is the envy of other UK Garrisons. The raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag and the Pegasus Flag of 16 Air Assault Brigade on Colchester Town Hall, is a strong symbol of our enduring mutually-supportive relationship.”

For more information about Armed Forces Day, visit armedforcesday.org.uk.