A flypast, a parachute display and a free evening concert are in store as Wales National Armed Forces Day comes to Carmarthenshire this Saturday.
The national event is being held at Pembrey Country Park on 27 June, with a full day of military displays, family activities and live entertainment.
It is free to attend, though parking charges apply at the park for those without an annual permit.
The day opens at 11:30am in the park’s Archery Field, with a parade led by local cadets and veteran organisations, followed by an opening ceremony at noon.
One of the highlights comes at 12:30pm, when an A400M Atlas — a giant military transport aircraft — performs a flypast over the park.
Then at 3:45pm, weather permitting, the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team take to the skies, with a free-fall display reaching speeds of up to 120mph.
In between, there is plenty to explore. A military and family area will let visitors see real military vehicles up close, meet personnel and try hands-on “have-a-go” activities.
There will also be Armed Forces demonstrations and simulators, a family zone, and a range of food and drink stalls.
Carmarthenshire County Council services including Actif Sport and Leisure will be there, alongside the Llanelli Scarlets.
The main stage hosts entertainment through the day, compered by S4C broadcaster Mari Grug, with performances from choirs and young performers including Llanelli’s Meibion Elli and the British Legion Band of Llanelli.
The day rounds off with a free concert from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, featuring the band Newshan and singers from Loud Applause Rising Stars.
It will be headlined by Llanelli’s own Samuel Wyn Morris, a West End performer currently starring as the Phantom on the international tour of The Phantom of the Opera.
Seating at the concert is limited, so visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs.
For those travelling in, a free shuttle bus will run from Llanelli and Burry Port town centres.
The Llanelli service leaves from the stop opposite the Town Hall from 10am, running hourly until 3pm. The Burry Port service runs from Neptune Square from 10:30am, hourly until 3:30pm, with return journeys throughout the day.
The shuttle — provided by Llanelli mental health charity Dolen Teifi and Links — finishes after the closing ceremony at around 4:30pm and does not run for the evening concert.
The event is organised by Carmarthenshire County Council with the Welsh Government and the three armed services, and is part funded by the Welsh Government and the Ministry of Defence.
Council leader Linda Evans said the family-friendly day was a chance to “celebrate the skills and resiliency that our Armed Forces bring to our workplace and our community.”
The council, which holds a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, said it was proud to host the national event.
Tickets are free, and while booking in advance is encouraged to help manage the event, no one will be turned away on the day. More information is on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.
