INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: Thousands enjoy two Red Arrows flypasts at biggest ever Morecambe Armed Forces Day

The Red Arrows over Morecambe on Saturday. Photo credit: Joshua Brandwood

The Red Arrows flew over Morecambe Bay not once - but twice - on a memorable Armed Forces Day celebration in the town.

The world famous aerial display team were a late addition to a packed bill on Saturday, as the town came together to honour our Forces and blue light services.

The Red Arrows flew first over Morecambe just after 11am, and then later at 5.45pm.

Huge crowds gathered in the Stone Jetty and central Promenade area to watch.

They were also treated to performances by the RAF Falcons and Red Devils Army parachute display teams.

Armed Forces Day is a chance for people to show their support to those who make up the Forces community, from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets.

Visitors to the event could also take part in a Red Arrows flight simulator, see a suspended replica Spitfire plane, and countless stalls with representatives of Forces and service organisations.

There were also musical performances by samba drummers Samba Espirito and the Accrington Pipe Band, a drumhead service, as well as a performance by Beyond Radio's Matilda Walden outside the Platform.

Below, a successful landing on Morecambe South beach from members of a parachute display team. Photo by Joshua Brandwood.

The Lancashire Belle also sang inside the Platform to entertain Forces personnel and veterans.

This followed a parade of Armed Forces, veterans and blue light services along the Promenade on Saturday morning.

There was also a motorbike parade from the Bay Arena to the Battery and back again.

The event was organised by the Lancaster and Morecambe District Armed Forces Day committee.

The Armed Forces Day flag was raised at Morecambe Town Hall on Friday and then at Lancaster Town Hall on Monday.

Announcements at Armed Forces Day came from Beyond Radio's Greg Lambert, and there was also an appearance by Beyond Bear, with support from Beth Pipe and Gibson Freedman.

Gibson was out and about at Armed Forces Day speaking to cadets, serving personnel and veterans.

They included Commander Mark Lister OBE, a retired Royal Navy submarine commander, who presented a special challenge coin to local veteran Alec Smith, 92, who served on the HMS Morecambe Bay and the HMS Vanguard battleship.

LISTEN to Commander Mark Lister

LISTEN to Alec Smith

Gibson also spoke to Sgt Rich Peregrine from the RAF Falcons, and LCpl Jordan Brown of the Red Devils.

LISTEN to Sgt Rich Peregrine

LISTEN to LCpl Jordan Brown

Further interviews here:

LCpl Welsh from the Lancaster Army Cadets based at Alexandra Barracks

Matthew from the Royal Air Force Cadets based at Ripley St Thomas School in Lancaster

Here are more photos from Armed Forces Day in Morecambe. Credit: Joshua Brandwood

And more photos taken by the Beyond Radio team.

More photos and videos available at Beyond Radio social media. 

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