The Atkinson in Southport will be open for the first time today to take part in today’s Southport Armed Forces Day celebrations (Sunday, 25th June 2023).
The venue, operated by Sefton Council, will welcome visitors to its superb Polish Heritage Flight Exhibition, with Spitfire pilot Dave Harvey chatting to visitors about the display.
Southport Armed Forces Day is a family-friendly event that opens with a Drumhead Service at 10.30am followed by a parade at 11am and then a full day of attractions including fairground rides, paintball range, food stalls, craft activities, a display of military vehicles, live music, living history and more.
Organisers of the Southport Armed Forces Day include Southport Royal British Legion; SSAFA the Armed Forces charity; and Sefton Council.
A spokesperson for The Atkinson said: “Sefton is proud to be part of The Armed Forces Covenant. It’s a promise that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces are treated fairly.
“Local Veterans are to hold their Armed Forces Day event at Princess Diana Memorial Gardens in front of the Southport Town Hall, The Atkinson and along Lord Street.
The event will start with a Drumhead Service at 10:30am in the Princess Diana Memorial Gardens, with a parade starting at 11:00am on Chapel Street, taking the salute at Southport Town Hall.
“Modern and vintage military vehicles will be parked on the front of The Atkinson, alongside vintage live music and living history group displays. Army, Air and Sea cadets will also be present.
“In The Atkinson’s foyer you can meet groups and societies who support our Armed Forces and take part in free family friendly craft activities. Our shop will also be open to buy treats from our local makers.
“In The Atkinson’s Discovery Box, The Polish Heritage Flight exhibition will be open and pilot Dave Harvey and the team will be chatting to visitors about the display.
“The Atkinson’s award-winning café, A Great Little Place, will be open to serve great coffee and delicious fresh food. The Box Office and Shop will also be open on this day.
“Come along in your period vintage uniform or vintage civilian dress on the day, we would love to see you.
“The Atkinson is usually closed on Sundays. The building will partially open for this special event. The Atkinson’s library, art gallery and museum will remain closed on Sunday 25 June 2023.”
The Polish Heritage Flight at The Atkinson opened on 15th April 2023 and runs until 30th September 2023, admission free.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
