City set to salute armed forces in bumper weekend

The winners of some of the most watched programmes on TV will head to the city on Saturday to perform at Familyfest - a free concert to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

The concert, organised by Preston Business Improvement District, will take place from a stage on the balcony of the Harris Museum between 1pm and 4pm.

The Voice winner Kevin Simm, X Factor’s Matt Cardle and Britain’s Got Talent’s Jai McDowall will headline the show, supported by Janet Devlin, Tiger Heart, Sam Callahan and Gabz.

Stars from the international wrestling scene will be making a special appearance and guests are promised a Spitfire flypast.

The concert will form part of the city’s annual Armed Forces Day celebrations, organised by Coun Drew Gale, the city’s armed forces champion.

The day begins with a service of celebration at 11am, there will be military equipment on show, a fairground for children and a 1940s afternoon-tea.

Later, stars from the international wrestling scene will appear in a Tribute to the Troops show at the Guild Hall.

BID’s Mark Whittle said: “Last year’s Familyfest event was a great success, following on from the outdoor cinema we created in 2014, but this year we’re looking to up the ante and welcome many more families to Preston.”

Also on Saturday will be Grimsargh Field Day, Forton Field Day, and the churches walking day in Chorley.

On Sunday, Crafty Vintage will be held at Hoghton Tower, The Windrush 68 Festival will take place at the Vernon Carus Sports Club in Penwortham, and Picnic in the Park will be held in Astley Park, Chorley.