Stockton will mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 20, with free events across the new Stockton Waterfront urban park and Riverside areas. The day includes a thanksgiving service, stage performances and a late fireworks display.
Lisa Evans, the leader of Stockton Council and the borough's Armed Forces Champion, said: "Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity for the people of the borough to join us in honouring all the brave men and women currently serving our country, and this year's event in Stockton is set to be extremely popular." She also said: "We're expecting thousands of people to head to the town to show their support for our armed forces past and present, and I truly can't think of a better event to launch the fantastic new Waterfront urban park – so make sure to come along for what promises to be a wonderful day."
Stockton Waterfront urban park
The celebrations begin in the park's amphitheatre from 10am to 10.35am with a thanksgiving service. A speech will follow from the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Mr Michael Poole, and the Mayor. The programme also includes brass bands, choirs and professional acts.
Cattle and Cane, a Thornaby folk band, will perform a new piece called Our Place with six local schools. The day also includes cadet drill displays, creative workshops, military vehicles and exhibitions. Visitors can join community dances led by Urban Kaos and Jennifer Essex in Finkle Square and Finkle Garden.
River Tees and Riverside
Families can use the new main play area, Timber Towers, for interactive activities, street theatre and Adam Blake’s Adventure Walks at 11.30am and 1.30pm. A flotilla on the River Tees is scheduled for 12 noon, while the Riverside funfair will run through the day with a 22-metre-high Ferris wheel.
The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fly-past is planned for the early evening, and a fireworks display will close the day at 7.30pm. All Armed Forces Day activities and entertainment are free to attend, but charges will apply for the funfair rides.
Finkle Square and Finkle Garden
The celebration continues on Sunday, June 21, with more family activities in Finkle Square. Sunday will also bring dog walks, group-led strolls and wellbeing sessions, giving the site a second day of use after the main programme ends.
Stockton train station is a five-minute walk from the town centre, a practical route for visitors heading to the event. With thousands expected and the biggest attractions spread across Stockton Waterfront and Riverside, the free programme is set to draw the heaviest crowds around the fly-past and fireworks.
