Armed Forces Day: Events held across the East Midlands

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Armed Forces Day parade in Hinckley
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Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday of June

Parades, ceremonies and other commemorative events have taken place across the East Midlands to mark Armed Forces Day.

The day takes place on the last Saturday of June each year and celebrates the armed forces community, including serving troops, veterans and cadets.

Image caption,

The procession in Hinckley, Leicestershire, went down Castle Street and into Argents Mead for a service

Events in Hinckley, Leicestershire, also remembered those who were involved in the Falklands conflict, which ended 40 years ago this year.

The town hosted a parade and there was a service at the the war memorial.

Military vehicles and memorabilia were displayed in Argents Mead.

Image caption,

Armed Forces Day shows public support for serving troops, veterans and cadets

An outdoor concert has been staged in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, called Proms in the Park.

It featured patriotic performances from local choirs and bands, alongside stalls and attractions from armed forces veterans and cadet groups.

Image source, Rushcliffe Borough Council
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Musical entertainers have taken to the stage in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, for Armed Forces Day

In Leicester, there was a 400-strong parade of service personnel.

Ongoing works prevented Leicester Cathedral from hosting the traditional drumhead service.

Instead, it took place in Green Dragon Square in the city centre and included a performance by the Cottesmore Military Wives Choir.

A fly-past by a Hurricane had been planned, but this was cancelled after unsafe windy weather conditions were forecast.

Image source, Leicestershire Police
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The parade in Leicester city centre started at Jubilee Square

A smaller event in Loughborough featured military information stalls, music and vehicles.

The mayor of Charnwood, councillor Jennifer Tillotson, said: "We are incredibly proud of the armed forces community here in Charnwood, and Armed Forces Day is the perfect opportunity to show our deepest gratitude to those who have previously served our country and who continue to do so."

Image source, Charnwood Borough Council
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A small event was held in Loughborough's Market Place with stalls, music and vehicles

Earlier in the week, a flag-raising ceremony was held at Nottinghamshire County Hall.

It was attended by veterans, armed forces personnel and emergency service representatives.

A banner has also been put across city hall in Nottingham's Old Market Square.

Image source, Nottinghamshire County Council
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Nottinghamshire County Council hosted a flag-raising ceremony on Monday

Image source, Nottingham City Council
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A huge banner has been put on display in Nottingham

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