City continues to honour service personnel

Wales Armed Forces Day will be celebrated this Saturday on day one of the two-day Swansea Council-run Wales Airshow.

An all-weekend Veteran's Village, supported by the Royal British Legion, will host service-related charities. There'll also be a marquee where veterans can talk, relax and seek specialist advice in private over tea and coffee.

The airshow takes place close to the UK's Armed Forces Week and airshow visitors will be able to celebrate the contributions made to the UK by those who serve and have served in the forces.

Saturday's activity is due to include a stage ceremony - from noon - and entertainment. There'll be a signing ceremony for the Armed Forced Covenant, renewing the council's commitment to the armed forces family.

All veterans are welcome. The public is encouraged to attend and show their support.

It's the latest illustration of how the council and local community value the efforts of forces personnel.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: "It's an honour to be able to celebrate the essential work carried out now and in the past by the nation's service personnel."

Wendy Lewis, the council's Armed Forces Champion, said: "I encourage all those visiting this weekend's Wales Airshow to show their support by visiting the Veteran's Village and, if they can, take part in Saturday's ceremonial activity."

In November, to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, the Brangwyn Hall hosted a Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. Senior council figures were among those who attended a service at the Cenotaph.

There was a Poppies for Paddington ceremony at Swansea Railway Station and civic buildings fell silent for the National Two Minute Silence. The Guildhall was lit in poppy red on the evenings of November 11 and 12.

An RBL Remembrance Parade took place in Oxford Street, Swansea, and there was a Service of Remembrance at St Mary's Church.

June 29 was UK Armed Forces Day. There was a ceremony at the Guildhall and the building was lit in red, white and blue.

On July 10, some of the region's last living World War Two veterans and their families will attend the Mansion House for an event hosted by Lord Mayor Paxton Hood-Williams.

Meanwhile, the council has stepped in to safeguard the future of war memorials in Swansea - and the council supports the Armed Forces Covenant.

The council's website points to a wide range of services specifically designed for the armed forces community. 

Armed Forces Day Wales Ceremony

Running Order (approx.)

• Saturday, July 6
• Swansea Prom, near the Patti Pavilion, St Helen's

Noon - Introduction by Kevin Johns

12.02 - Welcome by council leader Cllr Rob Stewart

12.05 - Music, The Band of the Prince of Wales

12.15 - Address by HM Lord Lieutenant Louise Fleet

12.18 - Address by Lord Mayor Cllr Paxton Hood Williams

12.25 - Music by the Bel Canto Vintage Trio

12.30 - Introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant and signing by Cllr Elliott King

12.37 - Address by council armed forces champion Cllr Wendy Lewis

12.40 - Ceremonial raising of the flag. National anthems.

12.44 - High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Melanie James

12.47 - Musical by Veteran Songwriters

12.55 - Message for the Armed Forces by Cadet Flt Sgt Ioan Osborne and Cadet Petty Officer Jessica Flynn

12.57 - Handover to 2025 Armed Forces Day host, Monmouthshire

13.05 - Prayers