Armed Forces Day to go ahead in Coventry - but one vital thing will be missing

There isn't enough personnel for the parade



Coventry's Armed Forces Day has been saved this year, but a vital part of the day will be missing.

The annual event is celebrated in Broadgate every year, but it nearly didn't happen.

Consultations were held to discuss whether there should be a stand alone event for the Armed Forces Day, or if it should be amalgamated with the 100th anniversary of the RAF.

Fortunately, these events will be celebrated separately, one week after the next.

And, although Armed Forces Day has been saved, the parade will not go ahead.

A spokesperson for Coventry City Council said: “The city always marks Armed Forces Day but there are a number of factors that have led us to consult with military and other associated groups about what we do this year.

“We were recently told that a Freedom Parade by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers to mark their 50th anniversary on Armed Forces Day – a major part of the planned commemorations – would have to be cancelled by the regiment because of a lack of personnel.

"Also, this year’s Armed Forces Day comes just a week before the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, with events expected over the weekend of 7-8 July."