ARMED Forces Day tomorrow will be marked in Bordon with a festival.

Saturday will be the first Armed Forces Day since the departure of the Army from the town last year. It will also be one year since the historic Farewell to the Garrison Festival was held to bid the Army farewell.

While there might not be the military spectacle to mark the day, attempting to replicate the success of last year’s extravaganza, the Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership has organised the Whitehill and Bordon Festival at the Budds Lane Sports Field.

The event is in response to public demand for a day similar, in theme and scale, to last year’s farewell festival - heralded by many as one of the best events the town has seen.

The eighth national Armed Forces Day on Saturday will see people nationwide give thanks for the bravery and commitment of those who fight for the United Kingdom.

This week East Hampshire District Council supported Armed Forces Day with a flag flying over its offices at Penns Place, in Petersfield, raised on Tuesday morning.

District council chairman David Ashcroft, who represents the wards of Blackmoor, Kingsley, Oakhanger and Selborne, said: “Armed Forces Day is the one day of the year when we can express our thanks to the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our rights and keep us safe.”

The festival, which will include the Hampshire 999 Emergency Services Show, will be from 11am to 5.30pm, with parking on the Parade Ground in Budds Lane, and a free bus service.