‘It’s not very often that we open the gates but are looking forward to welcoming our community’
(Image: HullLive/Donna Clifford)
Normandy Barracks in Leconfield, home of the Defence School of Transport (DST), is opening its gates to the public next month for Beverley Armed Forces Day. This is a free, family-friendly celebration of the men and women who serve in Britain’s Armed Forces.
Hosted by the DST and supported by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, the landmark community event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the DST. It offers a rare opportunity to step inside an active military base and experience a spectacular day of entertainment, competition, and community.
Joining DST on the day will be 4 Yorkshire Regiment, 150 Transport Regiment RLC, and the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, bringing additional displays and a strong regimental presence to what promises to be one of the highlights of the East Yorkshire events calendar. Centrepiece to the day will be the Army’s Strongest Man and Woman competition, featuring some of the British Army’s most powerful athletes going head-to-head across five gruelling events, including a car deadlift, monster dumbbell, bag throw, truck pull, and Atlas stones.
The competition runs throughout the day, with a prize-giving ceremony later in the afternoon. There is a packed programme of live entertainment for visitors to the day, on Saturday, July 4, including:
- Live music from The Party Nuts
- A vibrant Gurkha dance
- Music from Cadet Bands, Humberside Police Band and the iconic sounds of the Beverley District Pipe Band
- Attractions and activities
- Tuckers Funfair — rides and attractions for all ages
- Approximately 150 classic cars from the East Yorkshire Thoroughbred Classic Car Club
- Military vehicle displays from DST and attending regiments
- Stealth Racer Formula 1 Simulator — a full-size, professional-grade racing simulator
- Virtual Battle Space (VBS4) — experience the cutting-edge simulation
- technology used to train British Army personnel in operating vehicles including
- AJAX, Challenger tanks, and more
- Food and drink stalls throughout the site
A free bus service will be operated by Acklams on the day, running between Wylies Road, Beverley and DST Leconfield. Departures from Wylies Road, Beverley are: 09.45, 10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 14.15, 15.15,.16.15, with return departures from DST Leconfield at: 10.15, 11.15, 12.15, 13.45, 14.45, 15.45,.16.45.
A DST spokesperson said: “It’s not very often that we open the gates but are looking forward to welcoming our community to celebrate the significance of Armed Forces Day, and the 30th anniversary of DST.” Entry to the event is free.
Parking is available at £5 per car (cash only please) with all proceeds being donated to SSAFA. Dogs on leads are welcome.