21 June 2011
Eastbourne’s Napoleonic Fortress is getting ready for a packed weekend of free activities to mark Armed Forces Day 2011 to honour those who have served Her Majesty’s Armed Services.
The Redoubt Fortress on Eastbourne seafront is hosting a free Armed Forces Weekend spectacular from 24-26 June including a Mini Tattoo, re-enactments, tours of the historic venue, and performances by Eastbourne Silver Band.
The Army, Air, Sea, Marine, Combined and St John’s Ambulance Cadets will open the weekend on Friday evening with a march into the Redoubt followed by displays and a drill competition, while Saturday and Sunday are filled with back to back activities with visitors invited to come along for free and show their support for the Armed Forces, past, present and future.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are very pleased to build on our Armed Forces celebrations in Eastbourne this year with Friday evening’s mini tattoo adding to a fantastic weekend of activities in honour and recognition of our Armed Forces. I hope that as many residents and visitors as possible take the time to visit the Redoubt this weekend and pay tribute to those who have served in the Forces as well as those who are serving today.”
Saturday 25 June is Armed Forces Day 2011 and an opportunity to raise public awareness of those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces as well as an opportunity for the nation to show their support for those who make up the Armed Forces, including troops, service families, veterans and cadets.
This Saturday, the Redoubt’s Armed Forces festivities get underway from 10am with historical re-enactors bringing the venue to life and the chance for visitors to get hands-on with history with family activities and tours of the Redoubt. The Big Jazz promise to get everyone’s toes tapping with their unique brand of swing music followed by Hailsham Community College presenting ‘On One Day’, an abridged version of their recent wartime play.
On Saturday evening the popular Eastbourne Silver Band, regular performers at Eastbourne Bandstand, will play a special 1812 Concert at the Redoubt and tickets are on sale now from the Redoubt and the Theatres Box Office at just £5 in advance. Tickets cost £6 on the door and all ticket money will go towards next year’s Armed Forces Weekend.
Sunday presents another jam-packed day of activities at the Redoubt, kicking off with a Drumhead Church Service at 9.30am, including the presentation of Standards and the presentation of Veterans’ Badges. Eastbourne Silver Band will return to perform in the afternoon, with the Clover Sisters adding a nostalgic theme and the Eastbourne Scottish Pipe Band closing the weekend.
For more information on Armed Forces Weekend 2011 go to the Eastbourne Museums website or call 01323 410300.
