Plenty Going on this week in Blackpool in recognition of the United Kingdoms Veterans and Serving Members.
Veterans Week Blackpool 20th - 28th June 2009
Look here Veterans Week Blackpool official site for the full program of events but here is a taster:
Monday 22/6 Marton Institute Armed Forces and Vets Evening Marton Institute Oxford Square.
Monday 22/6 Going to the Flicks A variety of films will be screened by the local Odeon cinema Monday 22 June 2009 – Friday 26 June 2009 Odeon Cinema, Rigby Road
Tuesday 23/6 Entertainment at the British Legion Free Admission Tuesday 23 June 2009 British Legion, King Street.
Tuesday 23/6 RAF Station Blackpool Free Admission Tuesday 23 June 2009 – Sunday 28 June 2009 Stanley Park Visitor Centre
Wednesday 24/6 Veterans Gala Dinner Annual Gala Dinner with live entertainment Norbreck Castle Hotel.
Wednesday 24/6 Talk: by author Steven R McLaughlin, “Squaddie: A Soldiers Story” Free Admission, 2pm Central Library, Queen Street
From the harsh realities of basic training to post-war chaos in Iraq and knife-edge tension in Northern Ireland, “Squaddie” takes us to a place not advertised in army recruitment brochures.
It exposes the grim reality of everyday soldiering for the ‘grunts on the ground’. After the tragic death of his elder brother, and in the dark days following 9/11, McLaughlin felt compelled to fulfil his lifelong ambition to serve in the army. He followed his late brother into the elite Royal Green Jackets and passed the arduous Combat Infantryman’s Course at the age of 31. Thereafter, McLaughlin found himself submerged in a world of casual violence.
“Squaddie” is a snapshot of infantry soldiering in the twenty-first century. It takes us into the heart of an ancient institution that is struggling to retain its tough traditions in a rapidly changing world. All of the fears and anxieties that the modern soldier carries as his burden are laid bare, as well as the occasional joys and triumphs that can make him feel like he is doing the best job in the world. This is an account of army life by someone who has been there and done it.
Light refreshments will be served
Details Tel 01253 478080
Wednesday 24/6 Charity Tram Pull From 11am From Rigby Road to North Pier
Charity Tram Pull
Thursday 25/6 Afternoon Tea Dance World renowned resident organists will play the Mighty Wurlitzer at an afternoon tea dance Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Thursday 25/6 Armed Forces and Veterans Dine Out for Free Dinner served at 4pm and 5.30pm Limited availabilty Buccaneer Family Bar, Coral Island
Thursday 25/6 Layton Institute Welcomes the Armed Forces and Veterans A grand charity night from 8pm Layton Institute, Westcliffe Drive
A grand charity night celebrating the Armed Forces and Veterans. With top class entertainment featuring the Joe Wildy Showband and supporting acts.Raffle, Charity Auction, Food availableTickets are £3 for more details please call: 01253 393081
Friday 26/6 Talk: by author B. A. Lightfoot Free Admission, 2pm Central Library, Queen Street
B.A.Lightfoot has kindly agreed to visit a Blackpool Central Library to talk about his latest book, ‘Made in Myrtle Street.’
‘Made in Myrtle Street’ brings together the lives of three men as they experience the everyday camaraderie, hardship and brutalities of war. It also links them together through their shared experiences of their lives back in Salford and through their correspondence with the families at home who are striving to cope in their absence. Edward’s letters, to his young daughter ‘Pippin’ back home, are a central aspect of the book and reflect really well the difficulties fathers would have had in shielding their wives and children from the reality of war. Edward is accompanied by his pals Liam and Big Charlie who keep each other going with a shared humour and determination to survive.
Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please call: 01253 478080
Friday 26/6 Schools Music Workshops By invitation only. Various Schools
Friday 26/6 Official Opening of the Fylde Memorial Arboretum 11am Moore Park Avenue, Bispham
Friday 26/6 Holiday for Heroes Full details to be confirmed Friday 26 June 2009 – Sunday 28 June 2009
In 2004 12 Regiment Royal Artillery were granted the Freedom of the Borough of Blackpool.
This year the town will invite serving members of the regiment and their families to enjoy a complimentary weekend in Blackpool. (offer subject to availability)
Friday 26/6 Music for Heroes Free Admission 7.30pm Opera House, Church Street
Saturday 27/6 12 Regiment Royal Artillery Freedom of the Borough Parade 11am Town Centre
12th Regiment Royal Artillay will once again exercise their right to the freedom of the Borough in Blackpool.The Parade will commence on Bank Hey Street, continue into Victoria Street, along Coronation Street, into Church Street, and finish back in Bank Hey Street.
Saturday 27/6 National Armed Forces Day Badge Presentation Details TBC Stanley Park 
Saturday 27/6 Armed Forces and Veterans in the Park Free to enjoy Saturday 11am – 4pm Sunday 12noon – 4.30pm Saturday 27 June 2009 – Sunday 28 June 2009 Stanley Park,Blackpool
Saurday 27/6 Saturday Night at the Tower Ballroom 7pm Blackpool Tower
In the superb surroundings of The Tower Ballroom witness the spectacle of the Lancashire Artillery Band’s as they carry out the Sunset Ceremony, then enjoy a night of Big Band music.
Line Up:
• Sunset Ceremony by the Lancashire Artillery Band (v)
• Champion Junior Formation Team Dancers
• World-renowned Tower Ballroom Organist
• Dancing to a live Big Band Admission: £9.95
Tickets available from:
The Tower Information Centre, Bank Hey Street.
On the door on the day.
*Phone 0844 8561111
*Online www.blackpooltower.co.uk
*Note: additional Ticket Master booking fee and handling charge applies to online and telephone bookings
Saturday 27/6 Raise the Flag Challenge Approx 11am Blackpool Promenade
Members of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery will be challenged to deliver the union flag to Blackpool from their south coast base for National Armed Forces’ Day using strength, bravery, endurance and ingenuity. Their journey to Blackpool will finish with members of the regiment storming the beach in front of the tower where they will be given the honour of raising the Flag on top of Blackpool Tower launching this special day.
Sunday 28/6 Sunday Morning Service 11am (assembly from 10.30am) Blackpool Cenotaph
Blackpool and it's Cenotaph will form a Centrepoint of he 2009 Celebrations for Veterans Day
Blackpool joins together to Celebrate, Honour and Unite Britain’s Armed Forces Past Present and Future.
Following extensive restoration of Blackpool’s Cenotaph carried out over the past 2 years, a service of celebration will be held incorporating the “Choir Loft” which was opened by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at the 2008 event.
Attending the service will be veterans, cadets, serving military, including 12 Regiment RA and 103 Regiment RA (v) the Band of the Lancashire Artillery, and the general public.
Sunday 28/6 Armed Forces and Veterans Parade 11.30am Approx Cenotaph/Promenade
Following the Sunday morning service at the Cenotaph, Blackpool invites members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and Cadets to join in the parade along the Promenade.
Friends and family and members of the general public are invited to line the route and cheer and wave their union flags.
Sunday 28/6 Armed Forces and Veterans Golf Tournament Inter-generational Golf Day Stanley Park Golf Club
An inter-generational golf day will be hosted at Stanley Park Golf Course.
The rules of the tournament are that at least one member of the team is a member of the Forces or a Veteran.
This will be a gentle wind-down from the week’s exciting activities.
Please contact Lauren Ferguson on 01253 478032 or email:paul.latham@blackpool.gov.uk
Supported by BAE Systems
So plenty going on all week for serving and retired members of HM Forces.
It is really great to see what you Guys and Girls are doing Makes you feel proud to be British.
What a busy, busy week! It’s good to see the brave men and women of the Armed Forces get a chance to have a bit of fun and enjoy a week of activities.
One of the things I love about Blackpool is the way it blends so many different interests, experiences, tastes and moods. A veterans’ week, complete with a realistic look at what it’s REALLY like to serve in the armed forces, may not be what most people would associate with Blackpool, but it’s clearly a vastly enjoyable experience for those involved (and an educational one for those of us who mercifully have never so far had to be).
I’m sure all those attending can’t wait for a repeat next year!