Hundreds of people gathered in Carlisle City Centre to commemorate Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June and is a chance to show support for the brave men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.

Military vehicles were being shown in the city centre and representatives from military personnel groups and cadet forces were also present.

The city centre was full of people looking at the stalls and vehiclesThe city centre was full of people looking at the stalls and vehicles (Image: Paul Grindley) Onlooker, Paul Grindley said that there was a “really good crowd of people taking an interest in the various military and civilian organisation and groups who were represented there and also in some of the military vehicles which were also on display”.

Carlisle police were on hand to help transport the military vehicles to and from the city centre. 

The event was attended by various local dignitaries and parliamentary candidates including Labour’s candidate for Carlisle, Julie Minns and Conservative candidate for Carlisle, John Stevenson.

Military vehicles parked in the city centreMilitary vehicles parked in the city centre (Image: Paul Grindley) John Stevenson said that he took “a break from campaigning to attend the Armed Forces Day celebration in Carlisle.

“I wouldn’t have missed it. Some great conversations and a very warm welcome.

“It’s important that we recognise the contribution of our Armed Forces, support personnel, veterans and families.”

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Carlisle Liberal Democrat candidate, Brian Wernham said: “Today, on Armed Forces Day I say thank you to all those who are currently serving our nation, and to all those who have served us in the past.

“Freedom comes before everything else for the Liberal Democrats.  The only fair society is a free society.”

Cumbria has a proud military history and continues to play a key role in the defence of the UK and wider world.

Just last week the Dutch Air Force undertook an exercise, called ‘TAC BLAZE’, at Carlisle Airport, flying over the range at RAF Spadeadam.