An Apache helicopter is due to arrive in Vigo Park tomorrow (24/6) afternoon ahead of Sunday’s ‘Love Andover Armed Forces Day’.
A 17-metre long military drone is also among the displays in the park which also features a continuous stream of entertainment on the stage and within a 40m² arena.
All military units who have been granted the ‘Freedom of the Borough’ will also be in attendance; these are 22 Engineer Regiment, Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and the Army Air Corps.
Organisers Andover Radio have also secured the UK’s most prestigious dog display team (Essex Dog Display Team), who have performed for most of the royal family at locations like Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace and Sandringham.
The event celebrates the work of the British Armed Forces past, present and future and a select few veterans including Andover’s Chelsea pensioner Fred Abrahams will be toasted at the event which will be attended by the Mayor of Test Valley and Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire.
Andover Radio founder David Harber says, “We’re proud to bring Armed Forces Day back to Andover after a few years’ lamentable break.
“The Apache will land in Vigo Park on Saturday at 4pm. But, shhh… we need to keep that a secret; the last thing we want is a park full of observers while we are trying to sweep the area clear for its landing”.
The event will have food, funfairs and a fully licensed bar as well the chance for children to sit in the cockpit of a gazelle helicopter. Interactive bushcraft and bridge building demonstrations and military vehicles and weapons will also be in the park as well as displays by local air and army cadets, stilt-walkers and local Wars of the Roses re-enactors.
The event is fully funded by Andover Radio, Tesco, the Ministry of Defence and local businesses.
Music at the event is from the Royal Artillery Band, Southern Jacobites (pipe band) and local artists Alex Krupa, Maddisson Douch, Funkline and the Mighty Hump.
The event opens at 10:30am and runs until 8pm on Sunday 25th June 2017.
