THOUSANDS of people descended on Vivary Park in Taunton for Somerset Armed Forces Day (SAFD) on Saturday, July 2.
The event in the county town was part of Armed Forces Day, an annual UK-wide commemoration of the people serving in the military.
SAFD was opened at 10am by entrepreneur and Dragon's Den investor Deborah Meaden and featured an afternoon flyover from the Red Arrows.
There were also performances from forces sweetheart Kirsten Orsborn, the Taunton Military Wives Choir, and the South West Comms Band.
The day was brought to an end with a closing ceremony in the arena and bandstand area.
Trish Caller of Genius PR & Events, who is a director and the PR and marketing manager of SAFD, said: “We are thrilled with the response to the event on Saturday. We are so grateful to our many generous sponsors who made the event possible.
“Our stall holders, exhibitors and performers for making the day incredible! From uniformed re-enactment groups to marauding Vikings, tanks, and all the representatives of the armed forces, police, fire and ambulance as well.
Wonderful atmosphere right now at Somerset Armed Forces Day in Vivary Park Taunton . Get yourself down there, there is soooo much going on including a fly past by the Red Arrows #somersetAFD #Vivarypark #taunton pic.twitter.com/xzJ4jDme6f
— Deborah Meaden 🇺🇦 (@DeborahMeaden) July 2, 2022
“Three highlights must be mentioned: The Gravity jet suit guy, the Red Arrows display team flypast, and our fantastic Somerset Armed Forces Day champion Deborah Meaden. She had time and a smile for everyone.
“She opened the event and walked around all the stalls. At one point she was singing and dancing in the rain to our wonderful forces sweetheart singer Kirsten Orsborn.
“It was a lot of hard work but a genuine pleasure to do this for all the armed forces and veterans.
“There will be more thanks on our website shortly. See you next year!”
The event was attended by Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, who described the event as “excellent”.
Ms Pow said: “Our defence industry makes an important contribution to the local economy, employs many, and helps to keep us secure on the global stage.
“Thank you too to all who serve, have served and all who support our armed forces.”
Gallery: Somerset Armed Forces Day 2022
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