MORE than 150 Servicemen and women from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF will parade through Nottingham's streets to get Armed Forces Day under way.
Two military bands and 14 horses from the famous King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery will also be part of the parade, which will take place from 10.50am.
The route will start at Nottingham Castle, set on its way by the firing of three 105mm Light Guns by the soldiers of 100th (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery.
The parade, led by the Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band), will pass along Friar Lane, Beast Market Hill and Long Row before gathering in the Old Market Square for a Drumhead Service attended by HRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The traditional service will see the troops lay their drums neatly on the ground before laying their standards on them to be used as an altar.
There will be a short period of reflection and thanksgiving to recognise the efforts of past and present service personnel.
The parade will then move from Old Market Square to St Mary's Church.
It will pass through Wheeler Gate, Albert Street, Lower Pavement, Middle Pavement, Weekday Cross and High Pavement before arriving at the church.
Among the mass will be an Air Training Corps Cadet band and 90 cadets and veterans from across the UK.
The Navy marching contingent will be made up of personnel drawn from ships and shore establishments across the Service, including reservists from HMS Sherwood and the Nottingham contingent of RMR Merseyside.
Personnel from 64 Works Group, 170 (Infrastructure Support) Group Royal Engineers, based at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, will lead the Army's marching contingent, joined by soldiers from the county's infantry regiment, The 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters).
Lieutenant Colonel Phil Crick, Commanding Officer of 64 Works Group Royal Engineers, said: "As the largest military unit based in the city it is a great honour to take part in such a prestigious event.
"Over the years we have built up close ties with our local community in Chilwell and the surrounding area. It means we can go away on operations knowing that our families will be well looked after not just by our own rear party, but by the community as a whole.
"It's heartening to see the pride and support which Nottingham is showing to our Armed Forces and we look forward to seeing as many people as possible on the streets."
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Gilby, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), said: "We are always immensely grateful when people come out and show their support for the troops."
The RAF marching contingent led by Squadron Leader Andy Ham, Officer Commanding 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force will come from airmen and women based at RAF stations across Lincolnshire, including RAF Coningsby, RAF Cranwell and RAF Waddington.
The Band of The Grenadier Guards will lead the veterans on parade.
The Sea, Air and Army cadets will be represented by units from across the East Midlands. They will be led by 1084 (Market Harborough) Squadron Air Training Corps Cadet Band.
The parade will also be screened live on a big screen at the Victoria Embankment between 10.40am and 12.10pm.
