Andover celebrates Armed Forces Day 2024 with huge event

Armed Forces Day 2024 was celebrated in Vigo Park, Andover, on Saturday, June 29.

Hundreds attended the free event, which provided the opportunity to meet and engage with veterans, cadets and various military charities.

An incredible and exhilarating aerial display from the  British Army Parachute Display Team, the Red Devils, was one of the many highlights of the day, as nine specially trained jumpers fell from 9,000 ft and landed in the park.

As well as this, a flypast from a Chinook, live music and a funfair made for an excellent day out as the sun beamed down.

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Paul Edwards and Mark Bulpitt (Image: Newsquest)

Army Air Corps veteran Paul Edwards, 68, was there for the event.

Paul achieved the rank of Colonel and served in various regiments including the Queen's Regiment, the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and 1 Regiment Army Air Corps.

Paul told the Advertiser  that he saw action in campaigns "All over the world, in the infantry I was on operations in jungles and in the Balkans."

Paul, alongside Andrew Bulpitt, was representing the Army Flying Museum's 'Wheels and Wings' event taking place on July 13.

He said: "There will be 300 classic cars and motorbikes, flying displays featuring Spitfire, Mustang and Harvard planes as part of the Rolls Royce heritage flights."

Robbie Gow, John Reeves and Steve Pavey (Image: Newsquest)

Robbie Gow, John Reeves and Steve Pavey represent the Royal British Legion.

They told the Advertiser: "As part of the Royal British Legion, we represent veterans of the community and support the armed forces community through thick and thin.

"We're happy to support Andover servicemen and women and to support Armed Forces Day."

Pippa Bainger, Fliss Stuart and Judith Gammon (Image: Newsquest)

Also in attendance was the Middle Wallop and Andover branch of the Military Wives Choirs, who ran a raffle stall and also performed at 3pm.

Pippa Bainger, Fliss Stuart and Judith Gammon were in charge of the stall.

Pippa said: "Myself and Fliss are married to serving personnel and Judith is an army veteran herself and is also married to someone who served in the army."

There are 72 military wives choirs across the world, helping to provide a support network for women in the military family.

"Being a military family, it means we have to move around a lot and the first thing I do when I move to a new place is find the choir. Singing is one of the best things you can do for happiness and wellbeing," Pippa added.

There were activities for both young and old to get involved in and enjoy – from exploring military vehicles and equipment to Royal Engineers activities and weapon displays.

Performances from Royal Drum Corps, Andover Musical Theatre Company (AMTC), Military Wives Choir, Common Ground, Mojo and the Royal Restitution took place throughout the day.

A veterans' applause was held to show appreciation for those who have served in the Armed Forces.

The event also had exhibitions, re-enactments and family-friendly activities, including bridge building by the Royal Engineers, bushcraft activities and medal presentations for former forces personnel.