Council cancels Armed Forces Day celebration

Tameside Council has announced it will not be holding its annual Armed Forces Day celebration this year. 

The annual event, which also had to be postponed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, regularly attracts hundreds into Denton's Victoria Park to enjoy entertainment and other attractions. 

A council spokesperson said it was a "difficult decision" for the authority but it has been taken to "make sure the forces community and people in general are placed in no danger while the coronavirus remains such a potent threat". 

They add that the council also took the decision in light of the government's advice on large-scale public gatherings. 

The celebration was due to happen on Saturday 26 June. 

Cllr Ged Cooney, Tameside Council’s executive member with responsibility for the Armed Forces Covenant, said: “We fully understand the popularity and significance of this event. However, our focus has to be on public safety and protecting the most vulnerable.

“I can assure everyone the decision was not taken lightly. I’m very disappointed we’ve had to make it but we firmly believe postponement is in the best interests of all involved: organisers, volunteers and visitors.

“Armed Forces Day is one of the highlights of Tameside’s cultural events schedule. Building on that legacy, we look forward to hosting a really great event in 2022 that gives our services personnel past-and-present the recognition they deserve, and which everyone can enjoy in safety.”

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