THE Armed Forces took over Vigo Recreation Park for a weekend with a whole host of fun, music and military-style activities for the annual Armed Forces Day.

This year’s event had been extended to two days to coincide with the centenary of the First World War and the 70-year anniversary of D-Day.

Over the two days approximately 15,000 attended the event, which supports past, present and future service personnel.

Attendees were treated to a whole host of displays, shows, military vehicles and live music as well as stalls and refreshments.

Andover Armed Forces Day (AAFD) is a voluntary organisation with the aim of raising public awareness of the contribution made to the country by those who serve and have served in the military.

Armed Forces Day was originally started as an annual opportunity for the nation to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, and from veterans to cadets.

One of the event organisers, Steve Badby, said despite a slow start the event really picked up and became a hugely successful couple of days.

He added that, following the success of this year’s event, they were now considering running it over two days from now on.

“The weather was better on the Sunday and we had more people coming,” said Steve.

“We had a motorcycle display team in the main arena.

“The weather let us down on the Saturday, it’s just something you have got to accept.

“We were delighted with the support we received from the community and the military.

“We would like thank all those who took part and supported the event, in particular Veterans in Action, TVBC and 22 Engineer Regiment without whose help we couldn’t have put on such a huge event.”