Planes and parachute teams will star at Armed Forces Day on the Isle of Wight, on Sunday, June 25.

A Lancaster bomber flypast and spectacular Spitfire aerobatic display will grace the sky over Ryde.

An action-packed day on the seafront will start with a parade, led by the Royal British Legion Bikers, setting off from near Ryde Superbowl at 11am.

Here's what's planned...

Isle of Wight County Press:

 

What to expect on Armed Forces Day on the Isle of Wight on Sunday, June 25

  • Just before 11am, a parade leaves near Eastern Gardens. The military vehicles will depart first, followed by the marching parade. There will also be live music. The processions will move off past Peter Pan's Funfair, where His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, will take the salute. 
  • There will be an opening ceremony in Eastern Gardens at 11.30am.
  • The Lancaster bomber flypast will be at 1.35pm, arriving via East Cowes and flying two 360-degree orbits. There will be a cordon on the beach, to allow it to get as close as possible.

Isle of Wight County Press: An historic Lancaster Bomber will fly past.An historic Lancaster Bomber will fly past. (Image: IW Council.)

Isle of Wight County Press: Look up to see a display by a spitfire.Look up to see a display by a spitfire. (Image: D. Harbar.)

  • At around 2pm, crowds will be treated to parachute display team, the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team. 
  • At 4.15pm, there will be a spectacular Spitfire aerobatic display.
  • The closing ceremony will take place at 4.30pm.

Isle of Wight County Press:

IW Council's Armed Forces Day committee chair, Cllr Ian Dore, said: "Obviously there is a bundle of stuff going on in the gardens themselves.

"As well as the static displays on offer, we have three marching bands performing their own routines as well as Harriet Jane from Company B, and later Jack Nicholson providing some music on stage.

"Near Ryde Superbowl, you’ll be blown away by the world class BMX team we have performing.

"They are knocking out no less than four interactive sessions across the day! We are very lucky to have secured them."

Travel

Southern Vectis is offering free travel for current and veteran military personnel on Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day.

Those wearing their military uniform, displaying medals, or showing their military ID card on board a bus can travel for free all day.

Southern Vectis' managing director, Andrew Wickham said: "As part of this community, we are keen to show our support for servicemen and women."