THE Armed Forces Day flag was raised in Salisbury today to mark the final countdown to the city's hosting of the national event.

Armed Forces Day event weekend kicks off on Friday, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to descend on the city for a weekend of music, parades, and tribute.

This morning, Baroness Scott of Bybrook, leader of Wiltshire Council, was joined by Colonel Andrew Dawes, Commander South West, and Councillor John Walsh, Mayor of Salisbury, to raise the flag at The Guildhall.

Flags also were raised simultaneously on buildings and landmarks across the UK.

Baroness Scott said: “We’re just days away from what will be a wonderful three days in Salisbury paying tribute and saying thank you to our armed forces and their families. Salisbury is honoured to be hosting the national event. It was fantastic to come together today at The Guildhall to raise the national Armed Forces Day flag and start the final countdown to the celebrations.”

In addition, flags were raised by members of Wiltshire Council’s cabinet at the council’s hubs at Bourne Hill in Salisbury, Monkton Park in Chippenham and County Hall in Trowbridge. Partner organisations and sponsors of Armed Forces Day National Event showed their support by raising flags at their sites across Wiltshire.

ARMED FORCES DAY

Thousands of people will be at Hudson’s Field over the three days to enjoy a packed programme. Friday is dedicated to serving military personnel and their families who are invited to a special barbecue from 5pm.

There’s three nights of live music with Shine for Salisbury winners Duck n Cuvver getting the party started on Friday evening before headliners The Feeling take to the stage at 9pm. Friday’s live music is hosted by platinum sponsor KBR Aspire Defence.

Saturday, June 29 is Armed Forces Day nationally and is being marked with a military parade through the city centre on Saturday morning.

HRH The Princess Royal will take the salute outside The Guildhall as the Royal Air Force Red Arrows thrill the watching crowds with a flypast at 10am.

Those not able to get to the city centre will be able to watch the parade on the big screens at Hudson’s Field.

Saturday’s line-up includes an air display, including the iconic aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, military displays and demonstrations, live music and dance on the main stage and the BBC Wiltshire stage. The excitement builds with a performance by Shine for Salisbury winners The Treblemakers followed by The Upbeat Beatles.

Headliners Kaiser Chiefs take to the stage followed by a firework finale bringing a packed day to a close. The evening’s live music is hosted by platinum sponsor Lovell.

Sunday pays tribute to veterans and cadets, those who have served and those who may serve.

Veterans are being invited as special guests to afternoon tea from 1pm and will then be able to muster for the drumhead service being led by the Bishop of Salisbury and padres and marked with a flypast by a historic Spitfire aircraft.

Internationally renowned band Björn Again will bring the three-day spectacular to a close on Sunday performing many of ABBA’s greatest hits after a rousing performance by the third Shine for Salisbury winners, Salisbury Rock Choir.

Free tickets for Friday and Sunday are still available. Visit: wiltshire.gov.uk/salisbury-afd-tickets