Aldershot celebrated its military community on Saturday with an afternoon of music at its Armed Forces Day Prom in the Park.
Hundreds of people came along to the event in Princes Gardens, Aldershot organised by Rushmoor Borough Council. Visitors enjoyed the June sunshine while they listened to the music, browsed the community stalls and took part in the family activities.
Local cadets offered flags and programmes to the attendees in return for donations and £414.47 was raised for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. The Mayor of Rushmoor, Councillor Mara Makunura and the Deputy Commander HQ SE and Commander Aldershot Garrison, Lt Col Graeme MacPherson TD RLC gave special thanks to Rushmoor’s military community and highlighted Aldershot’s proud history as the home of the British Army, as well as thanking all who came along to the support the event.
Lindy hop dancers were first to take to the stage accompanied by a local vintage swing singer. There was also a special interval performance by Rushmoor’s samba band.
At 3pm, the main prom began with Rushmoor Concert Band, Farnborough Band of the Royal British Legion and local classical singer Toni Nunn, leading a concert of popular live music and ending with all the traditional Last Night of the Proms favourites.
Jenny Atherton, cultural projects, and events manager at Rushmoor Borough Council said: “It was wonderful to see to the community come together to celebrate our military community in such style, thank you to everyone who came along.”
On Monday 24 June, the council also officially raised the Armed Forces Day flag at a special ceremony in Princes Gardens attended by the Mayor of Rushmoor and representatives from Rushmoor Borough Council, the military, police, fire service and the Royal British Legion.
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