Manchester Labour

This June, the city of Manchester will pay tribute to the armed forces as part of the Armed Forces Day national celebrations.

Saturday 19 June
The Undentable Run

On Saturday 19 June, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Mark Hackett will greet a group of servicemen who are running from John O’Groats to Lands End in memory of their colleague Captain Mark Hale who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. They will run 851 miles in just 17 days – that’s a double marathon a day each – and the Lord Mayor will be at the front of the Town Hall on Saturday to cheer them on and congratulate their achievements as they pass through the city centre.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Mark Hackett said: “I’m really happy to be supporting the lads during their run. Help for Heroes is one of my chosen charities during my year in office and I would encourage as many people as possible to support their efforts and give generously to raise money for those who continue to give so much for us all.”

People can donate online at www.undentablerun.com

Monday 21 June
Raising of the Armed Forces Flag

The national celebrations for Armed Forces Day officially get underway on Monday 21 June, when the raising of the armed forces flag takes place around the country.

Cities across the UK, including Manchester will raise the flag at 10.30am prompt. The Lord Mayor will be accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant and the Greater Manchester Garrison, Adjutant and RSM as the flag is flown from the Town Hall roof.

Following this, the Lord Mayor and the Lord Lieutenant will present medals to armed forces personnel, including to those who have served in Afghanistan, at a private ceremony in the Lord Mayor’s offices.

Tuesday 22 June
Armed Forces reception

On Tuesday evening (22 June), a special reception will take place at the Town Hall, again hosted by the Lord Mayor, to honour Manchester servicemen and women. This is the final event before Armed Forces Day itself.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester said: “I am so proud to be able to thank all these servicemen and women on behalf of the city and am looking forward to this week-long programme of events in honour of their sacrifices and achievements.”   

Saturday 26 June
Armed Forces Day
Albert Square

Albert Square will become the main venue for the main day on Saturday 26 June, where The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Mark Hackett, will be present throughout the day.   

The city is proud to welcome Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope KCB OBE ADC, the First Sea Lord, Chief of Naval Staff, Lord Lieutenant and Peter Luff, the minister for defence equipment, support and technology who, together with the Lord Mayor, will review veterans from the armed forces.

A static veterans parade will take place in Albert Square at 1.00pm and live bands including The Band of the Life Guards from Hyde Park, will provide a musical accompaniment to the day. The Band has up to 35 musicians within its ranks and there and a varied repertoire from Bach through to the latest West End shows. They will be joined by The Greater Manchester Police Band, formed in the 1870s and who recently made the Radio One playlist!

The army will be providing two ceremonial guns, which can be viewed on the square.  Information on Armed Forces Activities will be available from stalls on the square staffed by members of the Royal Navy, the Army, the RAF, the Royal British Legion, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets and Army Cadets.

Throughout the event there will be a seating area on Albert Square, allowing members of the public to relax and enjoy the afternoon.  Refreshments with a traditional British flavour will be served including homemade soups and pies, rag pudding, Eccles cakes, Trifle and Manchester Tarts. There will also be a selection of British ales and soft drinks.

The elegant Sculpture Hall within Manchester Town Hall will be open and serving traditional Cream Teas.

Children and parents will be able to enjoy a family friendly workshop inside the Town Hall, where they will be able to make an Armed Forces Day memento to mark the day’s celebrations. Mementos can be posted to serving members of Armed Forces - family members or garrisons linked to Manchester.

Piccadilly Gardens
12 noon – 4.00 pm

For a more action-packed afternoon, Piccadilly Gardens will be turned into an activity zone, where you can test your strength with taster sessions, run by Military Civilian Fitness

The Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Mark Hackett said, "Armed Forces Day has become a significant day in the life of our city when we honour and thank everyone who has served our country and all those who continue to do so. I hope that everyone in the city gets behind the celebrations and joins us for a fantastic day in the city centre on 26 June."