The City of Wolverhampton is gearing up for a whole programme of events as part of the national Armed Forces Day celebrations taking place at the end of the month.

Armed Forces Day, which this year takes place on Saturday June 30, is a chance for people to show their support for the entire Armed Forces community - from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

City of Wolverhampton will be marking the occasion with an action-packed programme for both the day itself and during the lead up to it.

Celebrations will begin with a flag-raising ceremony on June 25 outside the Civic Centre when the Armed Forces Day flag will be proudly flown.

On 26th June there will be a free interactive workshop looking at the role of faith in the armed forces at Light House Media Centre from 7pm-9pm with guest speaker the Rt Revd Clive Gregory, area bishop of Wolverhampton.

On 28th June there will be a guided tour of the city centre’s various war memorials, incorporating both public and private tributes to the fallen. The event, which will last approximately two hours, is free and people should meet outside the main entrance to the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square ready for a prompt 2pm start.

On Armed Forces Day itself, the city centre will be buzzing with activities for people of all ages as it becomes the focus of family celebrations.

In Queen Square between 11am and 4pm, the stage will be set for a host of lively performances following a welcome by the city’s Mayor, Councillor Phil Page, featuring retro harmony singing trio the Miss Fortunes, Cosford  Military Wives Choir, Joe James Thomas (George Formby tribute act), the Royal Air Force Air Cadets Military Band, City of Wolverhampton Council and Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Trust choirs and many more.

In Dudley Street, people can test their aerodynamic skills when the Royal Air Force host a paper airplane challenge and the University of Wolverhampton’s School of Sciences will be bringing mind-blowing experiments and fun challenges. There will also be the opportunity to chat to veterans and gain information about becoming a cadet or joining the armed forces.

Meanwhile, the city’s award-winning Central Youth Theatre will be joined by Wolverhampton Orpheus Male Voice Choir to stage three individual performances at  separate venues looking at how the First World War effected the people of the city. ‘Down Our Street’ will be performed at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street at 10am, ‘Roses of Wolverhampton’ will take place at The Courtyard, Living @ Sunbeam, Paul St at 11.15am and 12.45pm and ‘The Forgotten Returned’ at St Peter’s Church at 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Tickets are available by calling 01902 572091.

The day will finish with a military parade and flag lowering ceremony in Queen Square at 3.15pm.

Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, Cllr Phil Page, said: “As a city, we have a special relationship with our armed forces. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to celebrate all that the forces do to defend the nation at home and abroad.

“We have a fantastic programme of events and entertainment lined up to mark this year’s Armed Forces Day. I would love to see as many people as possible come along and have a great time while showing their support for the forces.”