Crowds expected to line the streets for Melton's annual Battle of Britain parade
Crowds are expected to line the streets of Melton Mowbray again on Sunday for the Battle of Britain parade – it is the only remaining Leicestershire town which honours the men and women who served in the iconic conflict.
There is a special feature being lined up this year with a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) going over the town as the procession begins, at 10am.
The BBMF display normally involves a Spitfire, a Hurricane or a Lancaster Bomber or a combination of two of them.
Taking part will be a contingent of RAF personnel from Melton’s Defence Animal Training Regiment, members of the RAF Association (RAFA), RAF veterans and Air Cadets from across Leicestershire.
And leading the parade, which will start from the Chapel Street Car Park, will be the Band of South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets.
The organisers are the Melton Mowbray RAF Association branch which is keen to keep the memory alive of how the RAF, with pilots from across the Commonwealth as well as Britain, fought off the might of the German Luftwaffe in September 1940 against overwhelming odds.
Local RAFA chair, Toby Burton, said: “The Battle of Britain remains one of the most significant moments in our nation’s history.
"This parade is an opportunity for our community to come together to remember those who served with such courage and determination, while also recognising today’s serving personnel, veterans and the next generation represented by our Air Cadets.
“We are proud that Melton continues to host Leicestershire’s only Battle of Britain Parade, and we would love to see as many people as possible lining the streets and joining us for the service.
"Your presence helps ensure that the sacrifices made by ‘The Few’ are never forgotten.”
Organisers are encouraging residents, families and visitors to gather along the parade route and attend the commemorative service to show their support and help preserve an important tradition of remembrance.
From Chapel Street and Sherrard Street, the party will proceed through the town to the Egerton Lodge Memorial Gardens, where an outdoor service of remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony will be held.
The event expected to conclude by around midday, following the outdoor service, with temporary rolling road closures in place throughout.