Weston-super-Mare’s Armed Forces weekend needs you to help it mark 100 years since the end of World War One with a tableau through the town.
Armed Forces weekend will return next week in partnership with the Weston Air Days for two days of excitement.
The weekend attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the country and this year will be no different, with shows from the Red Arrows and Typhoon as well as the Royal Marines and cadets planned.
But this year will also mark 100 years since the signing of the Armistice to end World War One in 1918, as well as the Royal Air Force’s 100th birthday.
To commemorate the two events, the organisers of the weekend will start things off a bit differently.
They have teamed up with Worle Operatic Society to set up a tableau of soldiers throughout the town centre.
MORE: The line-up for this year’s air festival has been announced.
Squadron leader Garry Hawkes said: “On the morning of June 23, all around town from Weston Railway Station to the High Street to the Italian Gardens, we will be bringing history to life.
“Tableau actors will be arranged in various locations in authentic war gear surrounded by their loved ones in period costumes to show people leaving for the war.
“Weston Brass will provide appropriate music and in the Italian Gardens there will be a ‘call to arms’.
“They will then make their way to the square before joining on the back of the parade along the seafront at the Grand Pier and we want people to get involved.
“Our authentic World War One recruiting team will be there to ‘sign you up’ and we want people to come along, bring their friends and family and dress in either their own clothes or in period dress to join in.”
MORE: Readers’ pictures from last year’s weekend.
The parade will begin at noon led by the band of HM Royal Marines, Plymouth towards the Beach Lawns.
Garry added: “The example and experience of those who lived through the war shaped the world we live in today.
“In 2018 we say ‘thank you’ to all who served, sacrificed and changed our world. This will be marked by music, song, bands and re-enactments telling the stories of local families affected by the ‘war to end all wars’.”
A full preview of this year’s Weston Air Days and Armed Forces weekend will be in next week’s Mercury.
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