EVERYONE is invited to attend an upcoming event in Basingstoke this month to mark the start of Armed Forces Week. 

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr David Leeks is inviting all service personnel including cadets, serving personnel and veterans, along with the public to an event on Monday, June 19. 

The flag-raising ceremony and Drumhead service will start at 10am at the Civic Offices to mark the start of Armed Forces Week later this month.

The flag will be raised by a cadet from 443, Basingstoke Squadron, and will fly all week leading up to the 15th annual Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 24. 

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Mayor Cllr Leeks said: “Armed Forces Week is a chance for us all to show support for those in the armed forces community, from serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets, and provides a much-valued morale boost.

"It would be great to see as many people as possible at the service to demonstrate our support and respect for the contribution they and their families make to our communities."

After the flag is raised, the first Drumhead service in the borough by Old Basing Corps of Drums will use drums to build an altar, before being blessed by the Mayor’s Chaplain and Spiritual Adviser, The Reverend Steve McKay.

Originating in the 1700s, a Drumhead service is a traditional Army service, representing a number of different Christian churches, held in the field in which an altar is formed from drums.

Each day of Armed Forces Week will highlight different parts of the British military, including service personnel, their equipment and their roles.

Reserves Day is being celebrated on Wednesday, June 21.

The event is being organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in partnership with Basingstoke and Overton Royal British Legion.

For more information go to basingstoke.gov.uk/armed-forces-day-2023.