Armed Forces Day a thank you, organisers say

Serving personnel, veterans, and cadet organisations took part in a parade in Douglas

An event to celebrate Armed Forces Day on the Isle of Man is a way to thank those who serve, organisers have said.

Events on the island to mark the day included a parade in Douglas and entertainment at the Villa Marina.

Another highlight of the day was a flypast by a Lancaster bomber shortly before 14:40 BST, following a display for the King’s birthday in London.

Colin Kelsey said the day was a celebration of the contributions made by those in the armed services in "the past, present, and future" and their families.

The Lancaster took part in the King's birthday flypast

The free event in the Villa Marina Gardens featured military-themed stands and live music from the Southern Belles and Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band.

A parade with veterans, cadets, uniformed organisations, and family members of those who have served, set off from Regent Street to the Villa Marina, with a salute from the Mayor of Douglas at the War Memorial.

Mr Kelsey, chairman of the Armed Forces Day Committee for the Isle of Man, said the island's celebrations had evolved into "much more of a family day" to recognise the to support given to those serving by their loved ones.

"They couldn't do what they do without the support of their families," he said.

An awards ceremony also saw the first memorial award given to one of the cadet forces in honour of Major Charles Wilson, who died in August 2022

Mr Kelsey said Mr Wilson had been "instrumental" in putting on the event in previous years.

Similar events are set to take place across the UK over the next week.

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