Organisers of this year’s Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day have confirmed further details ahead of next Sunday’s event (25 June), including timings for the Lancaster bomber flypast and spectacular Spitfire aerobatic display.
The action-packed day on Ryde seafront starts at 10.30am with a full parade, led by the Royal British Legion Bikers, setting off from near Ryde Superbowl at 11am.
There will be an opening ceremony in Eastern Gardens at 11.30am before it’s all eyes to the sky for the Lancaster bomber flypast at 1.41pm. Visitors are strongly advised to get there early.
Crowds will be treated to the parachute display team at 2pm before excitement builds ahead of the Spitfire aerobatic display at 4.15pm, followed by the closing ceremony at 4.30pm.
Councillor Ian Dore, Armed Forces Day committee chair, said: “Obviously there is a bundle of stuff going on in the gardens themselves.
“As well as the static displays on offer, we have three marching bands performing their own routines as well as Harriet Jane from Company B, and later Jack Nicholson providing some music on stage.
“Near Ryde Superbowl, you’ll be blown away by the world class BMX team we have performing. They are knocking out no less than four interactive sessions across the day! They’ve featured on ITV, BBC, Red Bull events and stacks of other shows. We are very lucky to have secured them.
“We are still tweaking and maximising the space so the full running order will be posted early next week so you have a clear idea of what is happening and when.”
Timings are being updated on the Armed Forces Day website or follow the event on Facebook.