ORGANISERS are promising Dudley borough’s Armed Forces Day event will be bigger and better than ever before as final preparations are being put in place.

With just days to go until Sunday’s free family day out in the grounds of Himley Hall, a fantastic line-up has been revealed.

Topping the bill at the Dudley Council-run event will be a spitfire flypast – weather permitting – by the RAF Battle of Britain Flight Memorial team at 11.45am and the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge presentation to veterans later in the afternoon.

In the main arena, visitors will be wowed by the spectacular Beating Retreat, which will bring together marching bands, standard bearers and serving personnel from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force for a military tradition dating back centuries.

The arena will also host a gun run drill by the Military Preparation College for Training, a drill and banner display by 347 Dudley Squadron and a performance by local singing duo, The Land Girls, who will bring the event to a close on a high with music reminiscent of the 1940s.

Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler, said: “We’ve been running our Armed Forces Day event for a number of years now and it grows in popularity each year.

“This year we have a strong contingent representing those that serve as regulars and reservists and I hope people come along to show their support.

“It really does offer a great opportunity for people from all communities across the borough and beyond to come together and share in this wonderful family event.”

During the event, which is taking place from 11am until 5pm, there will be lots of entertainment throughout the park for all ages.

For children there’s Punch and Judy shows, story sessions, vintage rides, a gladiator-themed army duel and bungee run plus vintage rides. There will also be paint balling provided by Dudley Army Cadet Force and an archery range, provided by Kingswinford Air Cadets Squadron.

For adults, there will be historical talks focusing on Bletchley Park and women at war in the hall, performances by the RAF Cosford Voluntary Band, a vintage tea tent as well as antiques and vintage paraphernalia on sale from the Halfpenny Green Antique and Vintage Centre.

The popular youth marching band competition will take place in the main arena throughout the morning and early afternoon.

There will also be an opportunity for people to meet with reservists who are serving with local units including B Squadron the Royal Yeomanry, 210 Battery 103 Royal Artillery, the 4th battalion the Mercian Regiment and the Royal Military Police.

Regulars from 211 Squadron from 1 Signals Regiment, RAF Cosford and HMS Daring will also attend.