A RECORD turnout at the annual Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Weekend this year saw almost 15,000 visitors pack out Trowbridge Town Park for the celebrations on Saturday.

The two-day event, which celebrates and remembers the veterans and serving members of the armed forces, attracted thousands of children and adults, who made the most of the live demonstrations, exhibitions and re-enactments.

Attractions included a debut performance by The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, while the 14 Royal Regiment of Artillery returned to the event with their AS 90 gun after being awarded the Freedom of the Town last year.

The crowds were also wowed by a flypast by a Hurricane plane, the popular Challenger 2 Battle Tank, a static spitfire display and re-enactments by The Allies LGH, 4th Wiltshire’s Living History Group and The Wiltshire Home Guard Group.

Organiser Maryrose Mantle said:  “It was absolutely packed in the park all day on Saturday and we have estimated that there were between 14,000 and 15,000 people.

“That is by far the biggest turnout we have ever had and tops all previous figures. Everyone I spoke to said what an enjoyable weekend it was and what a great place Trowbridge is, which is lovely.

“The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment appeared at the event for the first time and put on a magnificent performance, while another highlight was the flypast by the Hurricane.

“It was also great to have the 14 Royal Regiment of Artillery return on the Saturday with their large AS 90 gun, which was hugely popular with adults and children alike.”

Other popular attractions included The 1940s Roadshow, which operated the beer tent and field kitchen, and performances by Wiltshire Youth Marching Band and the Trowbridge Air Cadets.

Mrs Mantle added: “The Wiltshire Youth Marching Band members have really grown in confidence and they put on a great show, as did the Trowbridge Air Cadets, whose display was precision perfect and went down really well. It was a fantastic day.”

Below, a VW Beetle convered into a 1960s staff car by Nick Vowles

Wiltshire Times: staff car.jpg