Residents are being invited to attend a free Army show this weekend and demonstrate the county’s support for the military on Armed Forces Day.

The 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team and Colchester Garrison are taking over Abbey Field, Colchester on Saturday, June 29, from 11am to 4pm, to mark this year's Armed Forces Day.

The 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team is the British Army’s global response force, specially trained and equipped to deploy by parachute, helicopter and air landing with its core role of maintaining the Air Manoeuvre Task Force.

Logistical and infrastructure support is provided to the team by Colchester Garrison, which is responsible for managing Merville Barracks in the city.

The event will showcase the skills and equipment of the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, as well as a military skills competition, the presence of Air and Sea Cadets, and a martial arts display by Gurkhas before the dramatic finale of a combat demonstration.

Members of public will be given the chance to meet Colchester-based soldiers and see British Army vehicles, weapons and equipment up close - as well as learning about Colchester Garrison’s history from historians who will show the kit and weaponry of First and Second World War soldiers.

Merville Barracks’ Dakota transport aircraft will also be open to visitors.

Colchester Garrison commander Lt Col Ed Rankin said: “Armed Forces Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the link between the military and civilian community in which they live and work,

“The residents of Essex are hugely supportive of soldiers and their families, which we in uniform are hugely appreciative of.

“It is important that the Army gives something back.”

The event is organised by Colchester Garrison every other year and this will be the sixth show.

“The show promises to be an exciting, interesting and entertaining day, which I warmly invite everyone to attend,” said Lt Col Rankin.

There will also be refreshments, bouncy castles for children, and free parking.

For more information, visit 16AirAssaultBrigadeandColchesterGarrisonShow on Facebook.