FOR the first time in more than 20 years - Covid-19 pandemic apart - Trowbridge will not be celebrating Armed Forces Day on Saturday (June 26) with a public gathering in the town park.

Last year’s event was cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis and the Government ban on large gatherings.

Lance Allan, the Trowbridge Town Council chief executive, said: “There will be no public event this year.

“There is obviously still restrictions around organising events, particularly those with free entry and we don’t know how many people are going to turn up.”

This year’s celebrations will not be marked with a public event because the Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Celebration committee disbanded.

Organiser Maryrose Mantle, who is also chairman of Trowbridge Carnival Committee, decided she wanted step down.

After other leading members of the WAFVC committee also decided not to stand, the group was dissolved.

A new group has been formed to celebrate a ‘Uniform Day’ in September next year. Outline plans will be discussed at next week’s leisure services committee meeting.