On Sunday, 26 June Mansfield District Council in collaboration with Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID) is giving thanks to the Armed Forces by hosting a celebration in their honour from 11am to 3pm at Mansfield Market.

Dad’s Army fans who fancy the chance to step into Private Pike or Corporal Jones’s shoes will get the opportunity to see re-enactments including a downed German airman capture and unexploded bomb situation in a host of Home Guard activities.

The national event sees people up and down the country participating in Army themed events over the Armed Forces weekend.

Other military organisations supporting the event include The Army Careers office, Help for Heroes, HMS Sherwood, Royal British Legion, 384 Cadets, 350 Field Squadron, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy Reserves, Mercian Regiment and Mansfield Sea Cadets, who will be selling memorabilia and providing interactive activities for family to get involved in.

There will be something for all ages, including a chance to see:

Home Guard road block – constructed and manned as it would have been during the Second World War;

Captured downed German airman – the Home Guard detained and guarded Luftwaffe airmen while waiting for local military or civilian police to arrive;

Unexploded bomb – securing the area and keeping the public informed until bomb disposal specialists from the Royal Engineers arrive;

The Women’s Home Guard Auxiliary preparing meals;

Train to be in the Home Guard, including drill and patrol.

Other attractions include free children’s face-painting, a vintage fire engine, tank and military Jeep, 1940s songs, dancing and craft market. Pinders Opticians will also be in attendance giving the public the opportunity to try on old style hats. And whilst stocks last there will be free flags, shopping bags and cupcakes to take home.

The Maypole Good Time band will also be there to provide live music throughout the day as well as a 1940s singer.

The Armed Forces weekend is set to be a hive of activity with Covent Garden Entertainer, Daryll Hackett also bringing entertainment to the town centre on Saturday 25 June with his fire juggling skills, sponsored by Four Seasons Shopping Centre.

Coun David Smith the Portfolio Holder for Cultural Services, Town and District Centres, said: “It’s important that we stop and recognise the work our Armed Forces do for our country so what better way to give thanks than to host a fun filled event in their honour.

“This is another great event for the town centre with lots of things to see and do and I am sure everyone will have a wonderful day celebrating our Armed Forces.”

For up to date information about events in Mansfield like MyMansfieldUK on facebook, follow @MDC_News #MansfieldMarket on Twitter or visit www.mansfieldmarket.co.uk

This event has been organised by Mansfield District Council and Mansfield BID on behalf of the town centre businesses. Match funding has been provided by MOD.