The Isle of Wight will mark Armed Forces Day with a parade and ceremony on July 2.

From 11:15am, bands, service personal, veterans and cadets will march from Drill Hall to the Quay, in Newport, where a salute will be taken.

The chair of the Isle of Wight Council, Claire Critchison will be there, along with the County Legion Chaplain, who will perform a blessing. Events and entertainment will run until a closing ceremony, at 2.30pm, ending with a hymn and the National Anthem.

On Tuesday, a flag raising ceremony was held at County Hall in Newport.

Isle of Wight County Press: Isle of Wight Council leader, Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox; Sgt Matt Symmans; Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Nick Oulton DL; IWC Chair Cllr Claire Critchison; High Sheriff, Mrs Kay Marriott; Cllr Ian Dore, AFC; Chief Executive IWC Wendy Perera. (r-l)Isle of Wight Council leader, Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox; Sgt Matt Symmans; Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Nick Oulton DL; IWC Chair Cllr Claire Critchison; High Sheriff, Mrs Kay Marriott; Cllr Ian Dore, AFC; Chief Executive IWC Wendy Perera. (r-l)

Isle of Wight County Press: Bugler Cllr Daryll Pitcher and flag raiser LCpl Liam Skeats.Bugler Cllr Daryll Pitcher and flag raiser LCpl Liam Skeats.

Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Ian Dore said a new team has taken on planning for Armed Forces Day.

He said: "The event was previously organised by a now disbanded committee so it’s a case of building from the ground up.

"With Covid-19 and some staff departures, that has been tricky.

"What we have in place now is a focused, dedicated working group that has put together an event that is considered a fine starting point.  

"Traditionally over the years, the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Days have been superb. This will serve as the foundations on which to take it to new heights, over the coming years. Best boots forward!"


Today is the main event and Isle of Wight businesses are among those marking Armed Forces Day. 

At Tesco in Westridge, near Ryde, serving Armed Forces personnel, regulars and reservists, can present their MOD90 identification card at any Tesco café and get a free full cooked breakfast.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes have an Armed Forces Deposit Contribution Scheme for those serving in the Army, Navy and RAF, as well as those who have left the forces in the last 12 months.

It offers military personnel a 5 per cent deposit contribution towards a new Barratt or David Wilson house, until July 4.

Southern Vectis is offering free travel for current and veteran military personnel today (Saturday, June 25).

Wear uniform, display medals, or show a military ID card to travel for free.