A belated celebration for Armed Forces Day will take place at the Villa Marina on Sunday, November 22.

This year’s celebrations for Armed Forces Day, normally held on the last Saturday of June, were cancelled because of the pandemic.

Instead, the Armed Forces Day Committee has organised the celebration in the Villa, beginning with a church service at 5pm.

This will be followed by a signing of the Armed Forces Covenant by the island’s main churches.

The covenant is designed to show an organisation’s support for members of the forces, veterans and their families.

There is then to be a special presentation to Eric Kelly and to the family of the late Jimmy Maddocks, who have both given musical support to Armed Forces Day celebrations for many years.

A commemorative plaque and a certificate of appreciation will be presented.

The evening continues with tea, which requires a ticket - an application is printed below. They are also available at local commissioners’ offices and the Welcome Centre.

The evening concert, which is open to all and free of charge, continues with a wide variety of musical entertainment, culminating in the singing of ’Land of Hope and Glory’ and ’Rule Britannia’ by local singer Mandy Griffin - with flags to wave provided.

Major Charles Wilson, the chairman of the Armed Forces Day committee, said: ’Although the normal day had to be cancelled, the celebration gives everyone their opportunity to appreciate the work and sacrifices made by our service personnel and their families.

’Do come along and join us.’