Trowbridge is gearing up for the fifth annual Veterans Weekend which last year attracted more than 9,000 people.

The action-packed weekend, which takes place on June 25 and 26 in Trowbridge Park, will commemorate the work of past and present military personnel.

Re-enactment groups, a static Gazelle helicopter and Spitfire, and stalls and displays from various military groups will be among the entertainment over the two days between 10am and 5pm.

The new mayor of Trowbridge, cllr Nick Blakemore will officially open the event at noon on the Saturday at the war memorial and will be backed by other Wiltshire dignatories.

Young and old will be able to try their hand at a simulator in which they can ‘fly’ the Gazelle helicopter which will be present. They will also be able to witness the noisy engine of the Spitfire being turned on throughout the day.

One of the biggest draws of the weekend will be an ME109 Messerschmitt, which was a Second World War German aircraft that was brought down over the south coast of England.

Co-ordinator Maryrose Mantle, from the Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Committee, said: “It is a complete weekend of activities and displays with lots of things to see and do. It will bring back memories of not only Trowbridge in the various wartime eras, but also memories of abroad. There will be lots of memories to bring and lots to take away.

“Each year we ask one of the Armed Forces to take the lead on the event and this year it is the Army, who will take over half the park with their various displays.”

This year’s event is also commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, who will be among a number of veterans’ organisations present, including the Royal Marine Association, Royal Naval Association from Frome, the Royal White Ensign and the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, which is the predecessor of the Wiltshire regiment, The Rifles.

Last year’s event saw thousands of people pack into the town centre and this year, a free overspill car park is to be in use on both days between 10am and 4pm at the former Bowyers car park by the Town Bridge. Cars must leave by 4pm as the gates will be locked.