On Saturday 24th June from 11 am, Falmouth will see Cornwall's largest and longest-ever military parade, it's estimated around 1,100 service personnel and bands will march through the town centre.

Organisers have confirmed that this will be accompanied by three fly-pasts, and then in the afternoon, there will be a parachuting display followed by over two hours of flying displays across Falmouth Bay. Throughout the day, a Joint Military Village will be open to demonstrate an array of current military equipment.

Cllr Louis Gardner, who has spent much of the last year helping to make the arrangements for this showpiece, said:

"The people of Cornwall will never have seen anything quite like this, on such a vast scale. We will even have the naval frigate HMS Richmond docked at County Wharf and giving tours to schools and the public.

"To round off an unforgettable Saturday, and to express our gratitude to service personnel, veterans, cadets, reservists, and their families, there will be a rousing Proms-style concert and firework tribute at Pendennis Castle."

The military parade officially commences at 11.00 am from the zebra crossing point on Killigrew Street. The parade will then turn sharp right into Market Street, and proceed along Market Street, Church Street, and Arwenack Street, past the first military village zone, to take the salute at the dais on Bar Road.

At 11.13 as the Royal Salute from the parade begins, the Red Arrows will fly over the parade towards the Royal Dais, followed by Navy Merlins and an Avenger.

The RAF Falcons parachute drop will take place on Saturday 24 June at 14.20 with its drop zone within Pendennis Castle. The display will be visible from outside the castle, but if visitors wish to see the action up close they will need to pay for entry.

Air displays will then take place from 15.00 – 17.15 in Falmouth Bay, featuring:

• The Red Arrows
• The Black Cats
• The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - Lancaster/Hurricanes/Spitfires
• Typhoon
• Chinook
• Harvard
• Merlin Mk 2
• Seafire

A large Military Village exhibit will be located at a site split across Grove Place Car Park and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall Car Park.

The Military Village will be open on Friday 23 June from 09.00 – 17.00 for school visits as part of the Youth Programme, and Saturday 24 June from 09.00 – 18.00 for the public.

Charities, Exhibitors, and Sponsors Stalls - Over 60 military and associated charities, exhibitors, and sponsor stalls will primarily be located at Church St Car Park.

Throughout the whole weekend, there will be military displays, exhibitions, and live music entertainment in Church St Car Park, Events Square, and The Moor.

Louis Gardner also added:

"Sunday will have more of a community feel, with street entertainment and stalls continuing, as well as a Thanksgiving Service at King Charles the Martyr Church, Falmouth from 11.00 am to mid-day, and a Cycle Challenge along a 27-mile off-road ride and a 62-mile road ride.

"This brings together families, local cyclists, serving personnel, and veterans, and is organised by Halo Sports and SSAFA. Cyclists start at Pendennis Head car park at 9.00 am.

"Everywhere you look there will be memories to be made, and photos to be captured. You're going to want to join us, but remember that on Saturday you should use public transport or the special Park and Ride from the university campus at Tremough. That way everyone gets an easy journey, and the best view."

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