Brunton Park played host to Carlisle's Armed Forces Day celebrations on Saturday 28 June, which saw 26 organisations come together to honour the Armed Forces Community.
The event was organised by Carlisle United Community Sports Trust, Carlisle United, the Royal British Legion and the Cumberland Council to highlight the importance and show gratitude towards the UK's Armed Forces while shining a light on the provision available for the Veterans Community.
It was fantastic to see multiple generations get involved in the celebrations with a vast array of activities and entertainment provided throughout the day.
The day began with a group of veterans departing the stadium at 8:30am to take on the Lake District Cycling Challenge, a 65-mile circular route through Keswick and the north of the Lake District, before returning to their start point at Brunton Park.
This was in aid of The Not Forgotten, a charity that supports veterans and current service personnel suffering from injury or illness by providing social, respite, and challenge opportunities.
Town Crier and Veteran, Brian Pease, officially opened the Armed Forces Day event from the top of an aerial ladder on a Fire Engine to address the crowd.
The Border Concert Band got the musical offering underway, playing a range of classic songs from stage and screen.
Singers from The Not Forgotten, Annie Riley and Lloyd Ellery, continued the day's musical arrangement, entertaining the crowd and covering multiple genres as part of their continued support of the veteran community.
Razzamataz Theatre School Carlisle then treated those in attendance to a wonderful group performance, beginning with Coldplay's 'Yellow' before singing hits from the Greatest Showman alongside the Border Concert Band.
At midday, local Cadets from the Army and the Navy participated in a drill competition which saw incredible displays of discipline, leadership and accuracy from both groups.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, David Allen, Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association Chief Executive for The North West of England and The Isle of Man. Chance Wilson, and Learning and Improvement Associate Director for North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Ray Olive, judged the contest declaring the Army Cadets as winners.
Mayor of Carlisle, Jeanette Whalen, presented Sergeant, Major Graham, with a pace stick to mark the Army Cadets' Victory.
The afternoon saw more music from the Border Concert Band, Razzamataz and Annie and Lloyd, with those attending continuing to visit the many stalls available.
At 16:20, the veterans involved in the Lake District Cycling Challenge arrived back at Brunton Park to rapturous applause, with a rendition of 'God Save the King' bringing the event to a close.
Speaking on the event, EDI Lead for the Community Sports Trust and the Club, Teresa Mulholland, said: "This took months of planning. We are very proud of the event and the many stallholders who have been able to network, creating stronger links to support our veterans and active military community.
"I am especially proud to have held this at Brunton Park; it is wonderful to celebrate the Armed Forces, as we do a great deal of work at the Community Sports Trust with our veterans.
"The event has been a fantastic opportunity to give back to those veterans and to signpost the range of support available."
Carlisle United Community Sports Trust CEO, James Tose said: "On behalf of everyone associated with Carlisle United, it was an honour to host Armed Forces Day and celebrate the amazing work that goes on in the Armed Forces Community.
"To see so many different organisations come together to take part in this event at Brunton Park was absolutely fantastic.
"A big thank you to the planning committee led by Teresa for all their hard work and for making this special event a huge success. It would be great to host this again in the future."
Royal British Legion Carlisle and Stanwix Branch Chair, Keith Richardson added: "It's absolutely outstanding that it was at Brunton Park.
"With Teresa's network links within the community, we called on all the local charities and Armed Forces charities, and they all networked together, which is brilliant because if any veterans go to the charities, they know there is a pathway for them.
"It's mega important, without the Armed Forces we wouldn't be here today."
Speaking on the Lake District Cycling Challenge, The Parts Guys Managing Director, Scully Scullion, said: "It was a nice route, a few hills. I think the guy on the hand cycle was finding it quite tough, but he kept going and smiling all the way, which was great.
"Having the cadets there, the crowd welcoming them in, and the local police doing the blue light escort, they were supported so well, I think that was a really good finale for them."
