ENTERTAINMENT for the whole family is on the cards when Middlesbrough celebrates Armed Forces Day this weekend.

Crowds are expected to flock to the town’s Centre Square on Saturday, to show their continued support for the UK’s service personnel and veterans.

There will be a parade, musical performances and a variety of demonstrations, activities and entertainment throughout the day.

Councillor Ron Arundale, Middlesbrough Council’s armed forces champion, said: “We’re rightly proud of our strong links with the Armed Forces, and of the sacrifices they continue to make on our behalf.

“Armed Forces Day is our chance to celebrate that dedication and commitment and show our support for all our service personnel, from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran.

“I would urge as many people as possible to come along to Centre Square and enjoy this special day.”

Highlights of the day will include a parade of service veterans, Air Sea and Army Cadets, the Yorkshire Regiment, military standards, veterans, local army and cadet units, with a salute taken by a civic party.

The Band of the Corps of Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers (REME) will perform in the morning, with the North Skelton Brass Band providing the afternoon’s musical entertainment, and a street organ will also be in attendance.

During the event films will be shown on the Big Screen in Centre Square, and military personnel will lay on displays and demonstrations of equipment, vintage military vehicles and training exercises.

The event, supported by The Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces Forum, Middlesbrough College, Teesside University and Middlesbrough Council, runs from 10am to 4pm and is open to all, from families and local groups to veterans and potential new recruits.