Celebrate our armed forces

​With less than two weeks to go, preparations are in full swing as Pontefract racecourse gears up for Wakefield Armed Forces Day.

The returning event is to highlight the outstanding services the Armed Forces provide with a day of fun and activities on Saturday 16 June from 10am to 4pm.

Special to this year is the Centennial of the RAFs formation: marked by the flyover of the most iconic plane of the RAF, a Spitfire courtesy of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Local armed forces groups, emergency services, veteran groups and community groups will be making a welcome return.

New to the event this year is the West Yorkshire Police who will be putting on a K9 Fireside Police Dog Trials, an event running throughout the day.

​Cllr Peter Box CBE, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “The celebrations this year will be a great opportunity to show appreciation for the vital work our armed forces, past and present, have done.

“With a fun filled programme of activities taking place throughout the day, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Please come along and show your support.”

Younger visitors will be offered a giant slide, bouncy castle, climbing towers assault course, face point and paintballing.

Pontefract historically contributed much to the First World War through the racecourse itself. From 1916 to 1918, its racecourse was used as a ready-made airfield for the Royal Flying Corps. 33 and 76 Squadron landed their BE2c aircraft at Pontefract before they were sent to France whilst the town itself saw 110 men and 2 women make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Entry for the event and parking is free.

For more information and to share pictures on the day please visit the Armed Forces Day Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WakefieldArmedForcesDay