THOUSANDS are expected to attend Southampton’s Armed Forces Day this weekend – with soldiers marching the streets for only the second time.

A military and vehicle parade is expected to fill the streets to get the excitement rolling for the event - to celebrate their work over the years.

The event has been going on for 10 years but the city’s very first Armed Forces parade took place in July last year.

This year’s celebration will take place at Guildhall Square on West Marlands Road, filled with members of the armed forces, live music from the likes of Rock Choir and The Decadettes, a multitude of tanks and army vehicles, re-enactors, a children’s assault course and army dogs on Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

One of the army vehicles on display will be the Scammell Commander - which weighs a massive 60 tonnes.

The event will later show a special guest appearance from former SAS soldier Phil Campion.

Chairman of Armed Forces Southampton Colin Gaylor said: “There is less than a week to go until Southampton’s second Armed Forces Day event.

“After the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s format is the same but bigger and better.”

He added: “We start the parade of troops and military vehicles, with an address from the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and the Mayor, at 10.50am from High Street, through the precinct and finishing at the Cenotaph.

“This is followed by arena displays showcasing our Armed Forces, Cadets, and Veterans organisations - a day for all the family and it’s free entry.”

Other Armed Forces Day events will take place in Southampton at Mortimer, Royal Victoria Country Park, Royal Victoria Hospital, Blighmont Army Reserve Centre and Fawley.

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