AN APACHE helicopter will be making its way to the town this weekend as part of national Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Organisers Andover Radio will be holding Andover Armed Forces Day at Vigo Park on Sunday, June 25 between 10.30am and 8pm.

A 17-metre long military drone will also be among the displays in the park which also features a stream of entertainment on the stage and within a 40m square arena.

All military units who have been granted the ‘Freedom of the Borough’ will also be in attendance, including the 22 Engineer Regiment, Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and the Army Air Corps.

Organisers have also secured the UK’s most prestigious dog display team, the Essex Dog Display Team, who have performed for most of the royal family at locations like Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace and Sandringham.

The event celebrates the work of the British armed forces past, present and future and a select few veterans including Andover’s Chelsea pensioner Fred Abrahams will be toasted at the event, along with the Mayor of Test Valley and Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire.

Andover Radio founder, David Harber, said: “We’re proud to bring Armed Forces Day back to Andover after a few years’ lamentable break.

“The Apache will land in Vigo Park on Saturday.

"But, shhh… we need to keep that a secret; the last thing we want is a park full of observers while we are trying to sweep the area clear for its landing."

The event will have food, funfairs and a fully licensed bar as well the chance for children to sit in the cockpit of a gazelle helicopter.

Interactive bushcraft and bridge building demonstrations and military vehicles and weapons will also be in the park as well as displays by local air and army cadets, stilt-walkers and local Wars of the Roses re-enactors.

The event is fully funded by Andover Radio, Tesco, the Ministry of Defence and local businesses.

Music at the event is from the Royal Artillery Band, Southern Jacobites (pipe band) and local artists Alex Krupa, Maddisson Douch, Funkline and the Mighty Hump.

For more details, visit andoverarmedforcesday.com/