Scarborough's virtual Armed Forces Day gets under way

Scarborough was due to host the 2020 national event, but it was put back to next year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, it is being celebrated online.

Every day this week, 22-28 June, new content will be added to the website.

A call for material has been answered by many local people as well as the military.

The website will feature interviews with Army personnel who have carried out Covid-19 testing in Scarborough, local RAF personnel and footage from the Royal Navy.

Army, air and sea cadets from across the borough have also contributed.

The website will feature archive content from previous Armed Forces Day events, the RNLI, Scarborough in years gone by and videos of the Red Arrows.

A page of children’s activities includes an activity sheet designed by Colour Heroes and a colouring competition.

These can be printed off and used at home.

Make and do activities have been produced by theatre company Animated Objects along with several amazing Red Arrows models.

The aircraft are in a formation with streaming rainbow colours to recognise the work of NHS staff during the pandemic.

The models will lead the children’s parade at next year’s Armed Forces Day National Event.

Several charities have contributed specially produced material for the website and there are interviews with two local veterans, both in their 90s, about their experiences.

On Armed Forces Day itself (June 27) a special event programme of footage and material will be published on the site across the day.

This will include messages from the Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, Cllr Hazel Lynskey, Royal Navy Commodore, Phil Waterhouse and the Lord Lieutenant of North

Yorkshire, Jo Ropner.

The Yorkshire Regiment Band has recorded a special piece, there will be a blessing by the Rev Richard Walker and an exclusive classical soprano performance by Laura

Wright.

Cllr Tony Randerson, cabinet member with responsibility for the delivery of the Armed Forces Day National Event, said: “Our virtual celebration of Armed Forces Day will honour the contribution of military personnel past and present.

“And, while we can’t mark the occasion for real, our Armed Forces Day website is packed with amazing content and downloads.

“We’ve had so many fantastic contributions.

“I urge people to visit scarborougharmedforcesday.co.uk and our special Facebook page.”