THE Armed Forces community will come together at a Great War aerodrome as part of an annual event.

Stow Maries Aerodrome in Purleigh will host Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 30 from 10am to 4pm.

The aerodrome has collaborated with Colchester Garrison, Essex County Council and Maldon District Council.

The ceremony celebrates the contribution of the UK’s Armed Forces.

Highlights of the day will include a ceremonial flag-raising ceremony, parade and a march past by cadets, veterans, and civic groups from 1pm.

Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Jenny Tolhurst will take the salute as the Queen’s Representative.

The Rev Mark Grant-Jones, Senior Chaplain of 16 Air Assault Brigade, will host the service.

CEO of Stow Maries Ian Flint said: “After celebrating 100 years of the RAF in April, it seemed very appropriate to make this Armed Forces Day as exciting as possible.”

Cadet contingents from the area will compete for the Ridley Trophy, named after Captain Claude Ridley who led the 37 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps at the age of 19 when the Aerodrome opened in 1916.

Other attendees include the Colchester-based parachute regiment, the royal Anglian regiment, the band of the army air corps and the Essex Yeomanry band.

Councillor Henry Bass added: “We are extremely proud to have such a unique visitor attraction in the Maldon District.”

Commander of Colchester Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Caldwell, said: “Essex has a rich military history and a proud tradition of service, which continues to this day and will in the future through the men and women serving across the world in all three services and at units based in the county.”

Early booking is advised and entry is free.

Tickets can be found by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/armed-forces-day-30th-june-2018-tickets-46800784406

For more details, visit www.stowmaries.org.uk.