Armed Forces Day Parade

The day begins with a military parade of 600 service personnel led by the Band of The Life Guards and featuring three other military bands.

The parade will leave Library Street at 11.30am and travel via St George's Circus, London Road, Garden Row and St George's Road to Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park.

The general salute will be taken by Sir David Brewer, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.

At 12 noon a Ceremony of Remembrance and Recognition will be held in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, led by by the Anglican Bishop of Southwark, Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, and the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Forces, Rt Revd Richard Moth.

Three military units or regiments with strong Southwark connections will be awarded one of the highest accolades the borough can bestow - the Freedom of Southwark:

There will also be an afternoon programme of family entertainment from 1pm until 4pm including refreshments, military displays (Second World War vehicles and modern field ambulances) and a performance by The Military Wives Choir (South London) at 2pm.

The 40-piece Lambeth Wind Orchestra and the 40-piece Southwark Concert Band will perform, and The Cherry Belles (Andrews Sisters Tribute Act) will provide a nostalgic programme of wartime music and a selection of jazz and cabaret favourites.

The Forces' Sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn, is sending a recorded message for the day to the people of Southwark and the members of the armed forces.

Beefeaters from the Tower of London and Chelsea Pensioners from The Royal Hospital Chelsea will also be in attendance.