Dozens of people from local service charities and cadet groups took part in a parade through Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (June 24th) to mark Armed Forces Day.
Crowds lined the route of the parade, as pictured here, applauding those taking part while waving Union Jacks.
The parade started outside The Princess Theatre and then headed along the High Street to the town flag pole, at the junction of Abingdon Street and Pier Street, where a flag-raising ceremony and remembrance ceremony took place.
Burnham’s MP James Heappey, who served as a major in the Rifles, was among those in attendance. Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was invited along by the MP, did not attend ahead of his Glastonbury appearance.
Mr Heappey told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The Royal Air Force Association, British Legion and Town Council did a brilliant job in organising the parade. Burnham has a strong affinity to the armed forces and it was brilliant to see such a great turnout of local people, creating a brilliant atmosphere on a busy Saturday.”
John Bryan, President of the Burnham branch of RAFA (Royal Air Forces Association), added: “We’re delighted with how it went – there was an extremely good turnout this year – and it was great to see so many residents out waving flags as the parade went past.”
The Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) also held their annual Brew For The Few coffee morning at The Railway pub, raising hundreds of pounds for the charity. Burnham’s Royal British Legion branch also welcomed visitors to its HQ in Victoria Street.
Crowds lined the High Street to watch Burnham’s Armed Forces Day parade
The parade took the salute from the Mayor and Somerset Lord Lieutenant
Rev Sharon Crossman with Deputy Mayor Peter Burridge-Clayton and Mayoress Frances Hancock
Motorbikers from ‘Burnham Bike Knights’ led and ended Saturday’s parade
Members of Burnham’s BARB Search & Rescue were among those in the parade and in reflective mood at the ceremony at the town fountain
Burnham-On-Sea RNLI were also among the groups taking part
MP James Heappey with the town’s army cadets after Saturday’s parade
