Bolton Council is leading a packed programme of events to celebrate Armed Forces Week, including the raising of the flag, cadet challenges and a ‘stretcher race’ from Rivington Pike to Victoria Square
On Monday June 25, the Armed Forces flag will be raised over the Town Hall and there will be a short service in Victoria Square from 10.45am, attended by the Mayor of Bolton.
Later in the week, Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 30 will see a programme of activities in Victoria Square.
The day will begin at 10.40am with Bolton Sea Cadets raising their ensign flown from their mast head.
There will then be a short service and a wreath laying ceremony led by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Elaine Sherrington.
It will be attended by the Duke of Lancaster Regiment; 216 Battery Bolton Artillery; Bolton United Services Veterans Association (established 1906), other veteran organisations and Bolton’s Combined Forces Cadets.
The day will include cadet marching displays, armed forces vehicles and equipment, and an inter-cadet challenge.
Local voluntary and armed forces organisations will have stalls and exhibitions and there will also be an inflatable darts stadium and lots of children’s activities.
A team of staff from the Royal Bolton Hospital will be now carrying out their ‘stretcher race’ at Scout Road instead of Rivington Pike because of the fire.
The day will end with a short ceremony to lower the flag and closing speeches at 2.45pm.
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Elaine Sherrington, said: “The events we hold for Armed Forces Week are always popular with local residents so I’m looking forward to seeing plenty of spectators on Victoria Square.
“The raising of the flag will be a poignant tribute to those who have served our country in the armed forces, both past and present, and the event on Saturday will be sure to entertain people of all ages.”