A SPECTACULAR day of celebration to honour Hampshire’s military veterans will be held next year.

Southampton will host its first Armed Forces Day celebration on Sunday, July 1 2018, in a bid to strengthen the city’s military ties.

Councillor David Fuller, along with Southampton Military Veterans breakfast club, brought the plans forward.

Colin Gaynor, from the breakfast club, said: “An armed forces day will not only promote unity but it will help to honour these who are serving and have served.

“Southampton has a big military population and strong links with the military, going all the way back to 1415 with the Battle of Agincourt, which needs to be continued.”

Councillor Fuller, who is an army reservist, said: “I want to see Southampton put on a spectacular event which will do our military proud and show our support for the armed forces.

“We have dozens of organisations that would love to be part of something.”

The event, which is being organised by Southampton City Council (SCC), is set to feature a vibrant parade and several military-themed events across the city which would attract thousands of people.

The mayor of Southampton and some of Hampshire’s top military figures are also due to speak on the day.

Councillor Simon Letts, leader of SCC, said: “I am pleased to say that we are going ahead with the plans.

“Guildhall Square would be a fantastic location for the event, which will contribute to the city’s proud heritage and culture.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our armed forces, so we must give them something in return.”

Councillor Satvir Kaur, SCC’s culture portfolio holder, added: “Events like this will boost Southampton’s economy and will bring the city together.”

Southampton has strong links with the armed forces.

The first production Spitfire came out of the Woolston, Southampton assembly line in mid-1938 while in 2009 the city welcomed back the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment back to Southampton.

Between June 1940 and July 1944, Southampton also sustained 57 devastating raids in which 2,631 bombs and 31,000 incendiaries were dropped.

The council is now looking at putting together a full itinerary which is set to be decided later this year.