June 17, 2015

Proud sponsors of the Armed Forces Day National Event

On Saturday 27 June, Guildford becomes the focus for the whole country, as we help thousands of visitors and local people thank everyone working in our Armed Forces – the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force.
Cllr Matt Furniss, Lead Councillor for Armed Forces Day, says: “Hosting the Armed Forces Day National Event for the whole country in 2015 is a great honour for Guildford Borough Council. The special service in the Cathedral, followed by the Armed Forces Parade up the High Street and the fantastic free celebration in Stoke Park will be a unique and fitting way to thank our Armed Forces and their families for all they do.

“This will be the biggest celebration ever held in Guildford and organising such a complex and large-scale event involves many organisations, as well as staff across the Council. We are very grateful to our partners and sponsors who have all contributed in different ways to help make this a very special day for everyone to remember.”

Here are some further comments from our four major presenting sponsors.

Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director – Programmes and Support for BAE Systems PLC says “Providing support to the Armed Services lies at the very heart of what we do as a company, demonstrated in the world-leading equipment we provide to those who protect us. Earlier this year we strengthened our support by signing the revised Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, giving amongst other things, increased support and encouragement to employees who are members of the Reserve Forces. We appreciate the tremendous contribution our Armed Forces make to our society and are proud to support National Armed Forces Day in Guildford.”

Noel Grant, Chairman and CEO of Martin Grant Homes, says: “Martin Grant Homes is proud and honoured to be associated with the Guildford Armed Forces Day and we are pleased to be one of the sponsors for such a fantastic event. The event in Stoke Park is the finale to a series of events that have taken place throughout the week and the brave man and women of the Armed Forces, both present and past, have been celebrated by the people of Guildford. Our thoughts and our respect goes out also to the families of anybody involved in the Armed Forces for the sacrifices that are made to keep us all safe and for the support they give to the members of the Armed Forces.”

Phil Northey, MD for Branch and Private Banking, London and South East says: “NatWest and Holts are proud to be sponsoring Armed Forces Day. We have a history dating back to 1809 with the Armed Forces and hope to continue to serve them, as they serve for us, long into the future.”

Bob Gamble OBE, Assistant Director of Engagement at The Royal British Legion says: “We’re extremely proud to be part of Armed Forces Day 2015, and join the Nation in celebrating and recognising the role of our Armed Forces. The Legion supports the Armed Forces community 365 days a year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages to our marquee at the national event in Stoke Park to discover more about our work. We will have adaptive bicycles to try from our Battle Back Centre, a freefall simulator with a wing suit from our extreme human flight team Jump4Heroes, and other interactive displays for the whole family.”

Guildford Borough Council would also like to thank our supporting sponsors Eagle Radio, Experience Guildford Business Improvement District, Guildford Fringe Festival and Freedom Leisure.

Guildford Fringe Festival is an open access multi-arts festival in the heart of Guildford town centre, which runs during July every year. In this historic and beautiful town, Guildford Fringe Festival invites all artistic genres to get involved, it is literally open to everyone!

The festival is becoming known for edgy, exciting and diverse events, shown at a number of venues, ranging from theatre, burlesque, comedy, kid’s shows, music, dance, exhibitions, poetry, talks and cabarets.

For full information about this year festival which runs from 1-26 July please CLICK HERE