Kington is ready to host Herefordshire's Armed Forces Day celebration

Kington is set to host Herefordshire's Armed Forces Day celebration this year.

Veterans, serving personnel, cadets, dignitaries, families and the wider community are invited to come together for an event filled with commemorations and activities.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 27 with the opening ceremony beginning at 11am at the Lady Hawkins School War Memorial

The Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, along with several county dignitaries, will be in attendance to mark this significant civic occasion.

Organised by Kington Town Council, the opening ceremony will then be followed by a full programme of activities for all ages.

There will be military and vintage vehicle displays, commemorative elements, wreath laying, community and charity stalls, and family attractions.

The Ludlow Concert Band will be playing conducted by David Redmayne , former Mayor of Kington.

In the run up to Armed Forces Day Lt Colonel Andy Taylor is giving a talk about the history of the military in Herefordshire, and especially in Kington at the Burton Hotel on Thursday, June 24 at 7pm.

He will also talk about the remarkable life of Herefordshire’s most decorated soldier ever- Lt. Colonel Wilkins Fitzwilliam Chipp of Kington. Free admission.

The town’s Museum will be hosting a special exhibition of Col Chipp's memorabilia from mid June until the end of the month.

Councillor Philip Sell said: ”Armed Forces Day provides an important opportunity for our community to come together to recognise the dedication, courage and sacrifice of those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces.

“We are honoured to be hosting the Armed Forces Day on behalf of the county this year.

“We have been working with many outside agencies, military charities and uniformed organisations to ensure it will be a good event.

“It will be good celebration of our armed forces and the role they play in the life of the nation. There will be lots to do, see , hear and eat on the day and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across Herefordshire and beyond."

Previously Cllr Sell said The Wye Valley Military Vehicle Trust would be bringing a range of vehicles including a model spitfire.

He added; “There will be stalls for a number of organisations such as Help for Heroes and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need and a band of 60 to 80 RAF cadets, combined forces from Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

“There will be a ceremony at Lady Hawkins School with the school repeating its Remembrance Service with youngsters laying wreaths.

“There will then be a parade to the Recreation Ground to the Korean memorial and various dignitaries have been invited and information will be given about the most decorated serviceman from Kington Lt Col Chipp, who joined the army in 1899 and rose through the ranks and there will be an exhibition on him at the museum.

“Ludlow Town Band will provide music, I have applied for a fly over or a fly past at around midday.”

Armed Forces Day takes place at the end of June when Herefordshire holds a day where the Lord Lieutenant reviews the cadets and veterans and other events are arranged supporting it.