A flag raising event will be going ahead next week to mark Armed Forces Week.

Rutland County Council is inviting residents to show their support and appreciation for the British Armed Forces by attending the county's annual Armed Forces Week flag raising event at Oakham Castle on Monday 19 June 2023.

The popular event will be attended by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Mrs Jeannette Warner and High Sheriff Mrs Geraldine Feehally, together with representatives from Rutland County Council, Oakham Town Council, Uppingham Town Council, the Royal British Legion and the RAF Association.

This comes as, this weekend, the RAF Association cycle is set to go ahead. Find out more, including how you can join the event, here.

Join the RAF Association cycle event this weekend. Image credit: RAF Association.

As always, Rutland's Armed Forces Flag Raising is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. A short ceremony will take place in the grounds of Oakham Castle from 10.15am on 19 June. The Armed Forces flag will then be raised by a party from the 1st Military Working Dogs Regiment, based at St George's Barracks.  

Councillor David Wilby, the newly appointed Armed Forces Champion for Rutland County Council, said: "We have a long and proud history of supporting our Armed Forces community here in Rutland. I am delighted to honour those who are serving in our county and our extensive veteran community by attending in this year's flag raising. One in five of all people who live in Rutland has some kind of connection to the Armed Forces so please join us and show your support for all those who've served our country." 

Rutland's Flag Raising Ceremony is just the start of a week of activities to mark Armed Forces Week. On Wednesday 21 June, the county's monthly Veteran's Wellbeing Hub will be welcoming local veterans with tea and cake at the Council's offices in Oakham, starting at 10.30am.  

The annual event takes place at Oakham Castle. Image credit: Rutland County Council.

On Friday 23 June, the Council is hosting a special event for the children of Armed Forces personnel from across Rutland. The event includes a drama workshop to taiko drumming and will be a farewell those children leaving Rutland this summer.

On Armed Forces Day itself, Saturday 24 June, there will be a special Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club taking place at the Grainstore Pub in Oakham, starting at 9am. All members of the Armed Forces Community are welcome to come along and have a discounted breakfast. 

Finally, on Tuesday 27 June, HMP Stocken veterans will be enjoying breakfast together and holding a small flag raising ceremony of their own. Serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans are very welcome to attend but must contact: [email protected] before 23 June to register an interest.   

For more information about National Armed Forces Day celebrations, please visit the Armed Forces Day website.

Thank you to all members of the Armed Forces for their service.

The ceremonial horseshoes at Oakham Castle. Image credit: Nub News.