Fawley Armed Forces Day at Gang Warily recreation ground attracts thousands who enjoyed military displays and live music

THOUSANDS attended a celebration of the armed forces on the Waterside.

Fawley Armed Forces Day, which incorporates the defunct Fawley Show, was held at Gang Warily recreation ground on Newlands Road.

As reported in the A&T, last year organisers of the Fawley Show – which also celebrated the armed forces – confirmed it would be axed due to rising costs.

The free event, which was sponsored by Exxon Mobil and the Ministry of Defence, was officially opened by chair of Fawley’s Royal British Legion, Paul Holyoake.

Attractions included a variety of military displays and vehicles, stalls, a shooting range, assault course and fairground rides.

The Historic Army Aircraft Flight, a charity which aims to keep the heritage of army aviation alive, also attended with its scout helicopter.

Members of the public could sit inside the helicopter and later watched it take off from the site as it returned to its base at the Museum of Army Flying in Middle Wallop.

Live music also kept visitors entertained, with performances from Marchwood Military Wives Choir, Reminisce, Junkyard Dogs, Liam White, Mafia, and Quo Incidence.

Stephanie Bennett, parish council clerk, told the A&T: “Armed Forces Day is important to show support for those who have served and continue to serve, and we’ll be flying the Armed Forces Day flag throughout the next week.

“Working with Fawley Show [organisers] is a pleasure. We would like to thank everyone who attended and we look forward to seeing everyone next year.”