Solihull Council is inviting residents, businesses and visitors to take part in a variety of events during Armed Forces Week and show support for serving personnel, reservists, veterans and cadets.
From a vintage afternoon tea to demonstrations by cadets, the programme runs from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 June and offers something for everyone across all ages.
Highlights include a vintage afternoon tea in Poplar Way on Thursday 25 June, a guided Military History Trail in the town centre, led by the Council’s archivist and local studies librarian and a variety of music throughout the town centre on Armed Forces Day Saturday 27 June.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Sardul Singh Marwa MBE JP, said: “Armed Forces Week is a time to remind ourselves of the dedication of the men and women who serve our country selflessly, often in the most challenging circumstances. It is an opportunity where we can express our respect for serving personnel, veterans and their families too.”
“The Council is inviting residents to take part in a variety of events during Armed Forces Week. Located in Mell Square and Touchwood in partnership with community groups, the programme runs from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 June and offers something that we hope all ages will enjoy.”
The full details of all the events taking place across the week include:
Tommy Tea
Tuesday 23 June
2 – 6pm Elmwood Family Hub, 37 Burtons Way
Get together with the local community to enjoy a cuppa and slice of cake during the afternoon. Hosted by the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) every event helps to bring people together and raise vital funds for veterans facing hardship, homelessness, and isolation.
Celebrating Reservists in the workplace
Wednesday 24 June
On Reserves Day, Reservists wear their uniform in their civilian life and we are asking employers to thank our Reservists for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving our country. Whether you are a large organisation, small business, charity or self-employed, show your support on 24 June by holding a workplace talk, organising an event or just publicly showing your support to celebrate Reserves Day. Businesses and organisations can visit the Employer Toolkit for more ideas.
Vintage afternoon tea
Thursday 25 June
11am – 3pm in Poplar Way
Enjoy tea and cakes in the company of veterans and current serving military personnel. Singer Helen Pearson will entertain guests, performing twice at midday and 1.15 pm. No booking is required and refreshments are available to purchase.
‘Our Freedom: Then & Now’ display
Friday 26 June
11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm on Poplar Way.
Our Freedom: Then & Now is a UK-wide project which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. On display are poems and photographs which have been created by residents of Knowle with poet Emily Holtom and photographer Stephen Burke.
Military History Trail
Armed Forces Day Saturday 27 June
10am – 11.30am from The Core Library
Join Tracey Williams, Solihull Council’s archivist and local studies librarian, for a Military History Trail. The 90-minute guided walk of Solihull town centre visits 11 sites of military interest, allowing their fascinating wartime stories to be discovered. The tour is free to attend but advance booking is advised, contact The Core Library on heritage@solihull.gov.uk or 0121 704 6977 to book a place.
Art at the Heart
Armed Forces Day Saturday 27 June
10am – 3pm Touchwood, Jubilee Walk
Get involved in creating a community mosaic and add your touch to this celebratory artwork in honour of Armed Forces Day. Open to all ages and free to attend, no booking is required.
Solihull Air Training Cadets
Armed Forces Day Saturday 27 June
11am – 2pm High Street
Solihull High Street will be lined with craft stalls and music performance spaces. Head for the gazebo outside Metro Bank where Air Cadets will showcase their work, talk to prospective new recruits and give an overview on the activity and benefits of being within the Corps.
Ashby Little Big Band
Armed Forces Day Saturday 27 June
12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3.30pm High Street.
The Ashby Little Big Band is one of the UK’s premier vintage swing orchestras, renowned for their renditions of Glenn Miller classics and other big band legends. Let the music move you at three 45-minute performances during the afternoon.
Solihull Choir Festival
Armed Forces Day Saturday 27 June
1.30pm Touchwood, Theatre Square.
Anya Small and West End Voices will be encouraging shoppers to singalong to their favourite tunes from the musicals, as part of the Solihull Choir Festival’s Community Sing for Armed Forces Day.
To find out more about Armed Forces Day, visit Armed Forces Day.